Josh,

There are three different types of areas they are proposing. The State Marine Conservation Area usually allows both types of fishing but maybe in a limited sense (such as recreational finfishing and commericial lobster fishing only), The State Marine Park usually allows recreational fishing only but maybe limited also (such as recreational finfishing only), The State Marine Reserves are complete no take zones. My main focus of course will be on the reserves and like I said - to minimize them or to somehow allow some sort of recreational fishing inside them.

Bob,

Thanks for the opinions and suggestions. One mile reef will not be closed because I think they are not going to impose any reserves within 5 miles of any major harbor (some people are pushing for 10 miles). I am pushing for CnR only in areas that they want to designate as "Reserves" or in exchange for areas that they are going to designate as reserves. Artificial Lures and Catch and Release go hand in hand because of the decreased mortality rate of fish caught on artificials compared to bait. My artificial lure option will generally be in any areas they consider for catch and release. No closure within 20 fathoms - one of the main points of the MLPA is to set up near shore reserves so there will be some - hopefully we'll be able to minimize them.

Wade,

I believe you can find the information you're looking for at http://www.dfg.ca.gov/mrd/mlpa/working_group.html

They only have one guy listed for Recreational Fishing (Mr. Howard Egan) so if you're interested you may be able to become a working group member.