Stop the MLPA Initiative! Join the Public Ocean Access Network‏

Stop the MLPAI! Public Ocean Access Network‏
From: john lewallen (oceannetwork [at] mcn.org)

Dear friend,

Responding to a need for a statewide organization to expose and oppose privatization of California public fisheries management, while at the same time supporting the work of seafood providers in the Marine Life Protection Act Initiative process, this is a call to organize!

In consultation with seafood providers, we invite people to join the Public Ocean Access Network , a network of individuals and Independent Groups with no officers, committed to stopping the MLPAI and ending privatization of California fisheries management, using legal and nonviolent means.


Public Ocean Access Network

Network Goals: Stop the Marine Life Protection Act Initiative Now!
Expose and Oppose Privatization of California Resource Management!

Group Structure: Individuals and Independent Groups of like-minded friends who support the goals of the Network, and whose members commit to working both legally and nonviolently when acting as members of the Public Ocean Access Network.

Network members are free to make statements, testify, demonstrate, etc. without Network group approval. The Public Ocean Access Network has no officers. Network group statements and activities will be approved by Network consensus. The Network may form a Spokescouncil of individuals and Independent Group spokespeople, to share ideas/information and make Network decisions.

Group Commitment to Legal and Nonviolent Means:

Commitment to Legal Actions: Following the law, we expose and oppose the illegality of the MLPAI.

Nonviolence Commitment--to do no damage to people or property, to strive for nonviolence in word and deed--is a fundamental commitment of all members acting as part of the Public Ocean Access Network.


We stand against the violence of the MLPAI, violence to community interests, democratic principles, and scientific knowledge.

Immediate Public Ocean Access Network tasks:

Take a clear public stand: Stop the Marine Life Protection Act Initiative; End privatization of California resource management!

Mobilize presence at key hearings, both in the streets and the speakers line.

Investigate, research, and undertake public information campaigns until all Californians know the truth about the MLPAI and resource management privatization.

To join the Public Ocean Access Network: if you like the Goals and Means of the Network, just get to work!

Barbara and John Stephens-Lewallen, Mendocino Sea Vegetable Company, will facilitate initial Network setup and communication. To announce your membership in the Public Ocean Fisheries Network, or to get Network messages, contact: oceannetwork [at] mcn.org.

Stop the MLPAI!