SACRAMENTO – Telling members of the California Fish and Game Commission “the North Coast Unified Plan is unprecedented and deserves to be supported,” First District Assemblymember Wesley Chesbro (D-Arcata) on Wednesday testified in support of the local proposal to implement the Marine Life Protection Act on the North Coast.

Chesbro gave the testimony this morning at a meeting of the California Fish and Game Commission, which was considering the proposed North Coast Marine Protected Area for the first time.

“The North Coast Regional Stakeholders Group accomplished what no other region has been able to do – generate a single Unified Array proposal,” Chesbro said. “The Unified Array is an unprecedented accomplishment and provides a wonderful opportunity for this Commission to also act in unity. On behalf of the overwhelming consensus on the North Coast, I urge you to support our community’s request.”

Chesbro also told commissioners that additional concessions must be made to protect the traditional fishing and gathering rights of North Coast tribes.

“These tribes are willing to work with you to administratively resolve these issues in order to provide support for the Unified Array,” Chesbro said.

Wednesday’s meeting was the first step in the lengthy process of the Fish and Game Commission’s implementation of the Marine Life Protection Act on the North Coast.

The Unified Array proposal will be considered further at subsequent meetings of the Commission this year.