SACRAMENTO – Citing concerns about how the Marine Life Protection Act is being implemented on the North Coast, Assemblymember Wesley Chesbro (D-North Coast) has asked California Resources Secretary Lester Snow to delay the process for at least six months to ensure that environmental protection is balanced with traditional access rights.

Chesbro made the request in a recent meeting with Snow.

“I have met with Resources Secretary Lester Snow and strongly urged him to slow down the process and that no action be taken by the Blue Ribbon Task Force for at least six months to allow more time to develop a plan that protects marine life and balances the access rights of traditional user groups,” Chesbro said. “I am confident that given enough time we can develop a workable solution between the fishing community, North Coast tribes and environmentalists. There has already been some movement in this direction. This is something that cannot be rushed.”

Since the day he took office in 2008, Chesbro has been a fierce critic of the process Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has employed to implement the MLPA. Chesbro has been resolute in his demand that access rights of traditional user groups such as fishermen and the tribes be protected.

“It is imperative that the implementation process be driven by local participation,” Chesbro said. “The plan that is developed must be supported by those most affected by it. To that end, the North Coast needs more time for all the stakeholders to work out among themselves the best possible solutions.”