Protection Won for Increased Part of Ricketts Park Kelp Commission Meeting was Unique By Marc Shargel

A "no kelp-cutting" area within the Edward F. Ricketts Marine Park was accepted by the California Fish & Game Commission at its April 6, 2001 meeting. Overwhelming support for protection of the kelp forest, fronting Cannery Row in Monterey, was demonstrated by over 80 members of "The Friends of The Edward F. Ricketts Marine Park," who carried signs, presented a parade of speakers supporting a protected park, sang, and even offered to bake cookies. Responding to that support, the Commission proposed to make a slight increase in the protected area. The original plan offered the possibility of a protected area from the Breakwater on the Eastern side, to Drake Street on the West. The Commission moved to adopt a proposed alternate plan, and extend the boundary 94 meters farther west to the point where the Charthouse restaurant sits. The proposed increase is not final. The change must await a 15-day public comment period, and final approval, which is not guaranteed (see below). The Fish & Game Commission is responsible for regulating sport and commercial take of nearly all of California's living resources and for managing those resources in a sustainable manner. The Department of Fish & Game is responsible for enforcing the Commission's decisions. Approving a management plan for kelp was one portion of a two-day meeting that covered a wide array of subjects. The kelp portion of the meeting began with representatives of DFG and the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary presenting the proposed plan and responding to questions about the latest changes. Friends of The Edward F. Ricketts Marine Park overwhelmed the Commission with a large group of about 80 energetic supporters, carrying signs bearing slogans such as "Save Cannery Row Kelp" and "No Kelp - No Otters." Only four speakers representing the kelp cutting companies appeared at the meeting. Joe Cavanaugh of Monterey Abalone offered the abalone farming industry's acceptance of a no-cut area, and expressed a wish that they could grow their own kelp. Marc Shargel led off a long series of speakers who asked the Commission to prohibit kelp cutting anywhere in Ricketts Park, which runs from the Breakwater to the Monterey/Pacific Grove border, at the Aquarium. He made a case for the environmental, social, and economic value of living kelp, claiming that the People of California support those values. To support that claim, he asked the room "Are the People of California here?" The room erupted in a brief, powerful, vocal and visual demonstration of support. He concluded with a suggestion, picking up on Joe Cavanaugh's comments, that an artificial kelp bed be planted, as an industrial substitute for wild kelp in Ricketts Park and elsewhere. When asked, a large majority of people in the room offered to volunteer to help the Abalone Companies plant a kelp bed for them to cut. Environmental and business organizations united to express their support for Ricketts Park. Among the local organizations appearing in support (or by letter) were: The Pacific Grove Tidepool Coalition Surfrider Foundation, whose Santa Cruz Chapter gave a unanimous endorsement. Friends of the Sea Otter Save Our Shores, which for the first time voiced its preference for the entire park as a no-cut zone Monterey County Hospitality Assn, representing the hotels and B&B's The Cannery Row Business Assn. Several Individual Dive Shop and Kayaking business owners. Nationally known environmental organizations also expressed support, including: The Center for Marine Conservation Defenders of Wildlife The Sierra Club Many, many individual speakers came to the podium to ask for protection for the entire park. About 100 more individuals were represented by letter, each delivered to the Commission by one of the Friends of the Park. Several speakers got big reactions from the Commission and the crowd. Shirley Devol of Carmel Valley introduced herself as a grandmother, and displayed a blanket she was crocheting for a soon-expected grand niece. She said, "I hope this child will be able to renew her soul, gazing out across Monterey's Kelp beds, as I have." She then offered to bake cookies for anyone who worked on the proposed kelp planting effort, to enthusiastic applause.Two marine biologists soke in support of the park, and careful stewardship of kelp beds. One, Eric Bjorkstedt, cited the lack of study on the impact of kelp cutting on kelp bed ecosystems saying, "Lack of evidence of ecological impact is not evidence of a lack of impact." Chris Greenwood conveyed the sentiments of the 167 senior citizens she works with, who were shocked that any kelp cutting is allowed in a National Marine Sanctuary, and all said "They shouldn't be allowed to do that." Joanne Garden delivered her comments in musical form, singing "Where have all the kelp plants gone, long time passing?" At the first chorus she was joined by 80 back up singers and the whole room turned into a folk song sing-along for a few moments. After more than two hours, the Commissioners pleaded for mercy. They acknowledged the huge number of speakers voicing support for protecting the kelp in Ed Ricketts Park, and asked speakers who had no new points to offer to waive their right to comment. Ed Cooper, one of the Park's earliest and most energetic supporters (as well as one of Scuba Divers' representatives to the Sanctuary Advisory Committee) summed up for the Friends of the Park by thanking the Commission for listening, and for moving the meeting to Monterey from Eureka. He then led the entire group in a round of applause for the Commission. Mike Chrisman, President of the Commission, then commented that three firsts had occurred: nobody had ever thanked the Commission before, nobody had ever sung to them, and nobody had ever offered chocolate chip cookies! Clearly, The Friends of The Edward F. Ricketts Marine Park had made a large and lasting impression. A few minutes later, Commissioner Sam Schuchat made a quiet motion to move the boundary of the no cutting area, which was accepted by the rest of the commission. Marc Shargel rose again, apologized for being out of order, and asked for clarification of the motion. Chrisman confirmed that they had moved the western boundary for the no cutting reserve be moved from the recommended location at Drake St, 94 meters farther west to the alternate proposed location, the point occupied by the Charthouse Restaurant. Shargel asked if the proposal to protect the entire park, all the way to the Aquarium, was still under consideration. Chrisman replied that it was, reminded those present that new marine parks would be considered early in 2002, and said, "Keep doing what you're doing, and you'll get your park." After the meeting, many of the Friends of the Park gathered for a BBQ and party at the home of Ed Cooper & Charlene Mitchell. After a champagne toast to the new protected area, all present indulged in good food and excellent company. The light rain dampened the lawn, but not anyone's spirits. After dark the skies dried long enough for a brief slide show of kelp images by Marc Shargel. That was followed by a contest for the best kelp slide. A beautiful close up of a growing kelp tip with a bright sun burst behind it, earned Darlene Delancy first place. _ took second, and three images tied for third. All three were shot by volunteer Randy Herz! You can still participate in the protection of Ricketts Park's kelp beds. Send a letter expressing your support for the expanded "no-cutting" area, and future additional protection of the park. Your comments will help ensure that the increased no-cutting area gets final approval. Comments should be directed to: Robert Treanor, Executive Director Fish and Game Commission State of California 1416 9th Street, Room 1320 Sacramento, Ca 95814 fax: 916.653.5040 email jduffy@dfg.ca.gov On Saturday, April 7, The Monterey Herald published a front page article on the events of the meeting.

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