Sanctuary Advisory Council Advice on Marine Reserves

Following the completion of the MRWG’s efforts in May 2001, the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council evaluated the MRWG’s work and deliberated over the course of two public meetings and an evening public forum. The SAC then developed and forwarded a formal recommendation to the Sanctuary Manager concerning the Channel Islands marine reserves process. In their review of the MRWG’s community-based process, the SAC issued the following statement on June 19, 2001:

"The Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council (SAC) commends the CINMS staff, Department of Fish and Game (DFG) and all participants of the MRWG, Science and Socio-Economic Panels on their efforts over the past two years. The SAC finds that the MRWG, in seeking consensus on marine reserves, developed scientific and socio-economic data that should be used and built upon in future consideration of such issues. The SAC finds that the MRWG process was open, inclusive and community based."

Based on an understanding of the areas of agreement and disagreement reached by the MRWG, awareness of the expert input and review provided by technical panels (Science Advisory Panel and Socioeconomic Panel), and in consideration of extensive public comment on the issue, the Sanctuary Advisory Council provided a specific recommendation to the Sanctuary Manager on June 19, 2001. By a vote of 17-1-1, the Sanctuary Advisory Council agreed to:

*Formally transmit the full public record of the MRWG and the SAC regarding the development of reserves in the CINMS to the Sanctuary Manager;

*Charge the Sanctuary Manager and Department of Fish and Game staff to craft a final recommendation consistent with the Marine Reserve Working Group’s consensus agreements for delivery to the Fish and Game Commission in August 2001;

*Request that the Sanctuary Manager and Department of Fish and Game work with the community to the maximum extent feasible in crafting this recommendation.