MRC Agenda
6/4/03
http://www.co.san-juan.wa.us/mrc/index.html
MRC AGENDA
Wednesday, June 4, 2003
8:30 am-10:30 am
Meeting will be held in the Islanders Bank Annex Conference Room
Citizen Input
Approval of Minutes
5/17/03
Guest speaker
Bob Everitt
WDFW
MPA Program
Funding Issues
New/Old business
Whale Issues
Logistics for Next Meeting
Citizen Input
Adjourn
SAN JUAN COUNTY
MARINE RESOURCES COMMITTEE
March 19, 2003
Shaw Island Community Center
Members Present: Laura Arnold, Tim Carpenter, David Loyd, Rich Osborne, Dennis Willows,
Jim Slocomb, Kelley Balcomb-Bartok, Terrie Klinger
Absent: Brian Calvert, Peter Fromm, Mary Masters, Mike Bertrand, Tom McMillen, Kevin Ranker, Kit Rawson
Guests: Shannon Davis, Russel Barsh, Tina Wyllie-Echeverria, Sandy Wyllie-Echeverria, Jan Chamberlin-Lea, Pete Nelsen, Ron Abbott, Victoria Wyllie-Echeverria, Tessa Wyllie-Echeverria, Rebecca Wyllie-Echeverria, Chantelle Marlor, Willy Borner, Vreni Borner, Ryan Drum, Ray Stedman, Liz Stedman, Genavie Thomas, Stephanie Buffum
Guest Speaker: None
Chair Jim Slocomb called the meeting to order at 4:05 p.m. in the Shaw Island Community Center.
Introductions:
Present members of the MRC introduced themselves. Then the members of the audience introduced themselves.
Minutes:
Minutes of the 3/05/03 meeting were discussed, Laura noted that Nick Nash was in a guest at the 3/5/03 meeting. Also she noted the name of the conference listed under NWSC Report is incorrect; it should read Georgia Basin/ Puget Sound Research Conference. Approval of these minutes was tabled until the next meeting.
MPA Proposal:
Chair Jim Slocomb began the discussion by describing how the Marine Resources Committee evolved, mentioning the development of the Bottomfish Recovery Program and its eight recovery zones. The Northwest Straits Commission was explained, as well as the existence of six other MRCs. Jim mentioned that the NWSC provided funding as well as goals for the MRCs to meet. MPAs are one of the goals. Jim explained that definitions of MPAs are numerous which makes the task even more challenging. The San Juan County MRC wants to take action and do something to achieve this goal.
Establishment of a comprehensive MPA in San Juan County is the #1 item on the MRCs 2003 Workplan, which is approved by the BOCC. Jim asked the audience for their opinions and explained that the MRC is at Shaw today to listen to those in the audience, but asked the members to start by expressing their thoughts about what MPAs might accomplish.
Dennis Willows discussed the previous time he was on Shaw for the discussion of the Bottomfish Recovery Program. He mentioned how impressed he is with the process and with how much had been accomplished.
Jim Slocomb explained that as a long-term boater he wants to ensure that his playground is protected. He also believes that the economy is linked to the area's natural resources, which can be a fatal attraction and must be cared for.
Rich Osborne offered his perspective of the Whale Museum, where he has recognized how the peer pressure of the whale watchers has worked. By working together and enforcing themselves, those using the resources are being rational and they are communicating. With the Bottomfish Recovery Program, the peer pressure may have more of an impact than regulations.
Terrie Klinger said that marine resources are declining all around the world, not just here. She believes that it is important to be proactive. Terrie spoke about the national and international attention that has been gained by BFRP and the MRC, these programs are being studied and scrutinized by the world, and are considered model programs.
Tim Carpenter said that from his perspective as a marine educator and diver, he feels that a lot of these points have to do with educating the public. One of the best ways to get people fired up about something is to give the people who want to have a stake in the issue the chance to have a stake in the outcome. The message and presentation will have a lot more meaning when you are involved.
Chair Jim Slocomb explained the current 2-step program which the MRC is developing and then asked the audience their opinions.
Pete Nelsen, Shaw Island Resident, stated that he does not want any more restrictions, because there are already enough. He mentioned that with the Bottomfish Recovery Zones, we must wait 20 years to see if they are working. He then mentioned that he firmly believes that if the whales would not be here if the boats were bothering them. He was also upset with the actions of the Soundwatch boat, which has twice pulled right in front of his boat while he was traveling at high speeds. He said he knows about the whales and how to skipper his boat when around them.
Genavie Thomas, Shaw Island resident and Caretaker of the University of Washington Friday Harbor Laboratories Biological Preserve asked what does this mean exactly? What are the issues?
Jim Slocomb: The County does not have any authority over fisheries. Mostly what the proposal aims to do is to formalize that the community will be good stewards of their marine resources.
Rich Osborne: The County will be recognizing all of the current restrictions, while educating and promoting stewardship. He mentioned the National Wildlife Refuge system. FULL MINUTES
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