(Sacramento, CA, April 24, 2008)------On behalf of the California Sea Urchin Commission and the Fisheries and Sea Otter Conservation Coalition (FSOCC), George J. Mannina Jr., appeared today before the Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife, and Oceans regarding H.R. 3639, (Congressman Sam Farr, Monterey, D.) the Southern Sea Otter Recovery and Research Act which will establish a program of research and other activities to provide for the recovery of the southern sea otter.

Mannina told the subcommittee, these organizations do not believe the legislation was needed because the Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) could fully implement the requirements set forth in H.R. 3639 without additional legislative authority if FWS had the desire, the will, and the funding to do so.

"The larger question brought to the front by H.R. 3639," said Mannina, "is the issue of what research needs to be undertaken. We believe there are two answers to that question, both of which involve the important issue of ecosystem management."

Mannina continued, "The first is an ecosystem management issue which could benefit from a more focused research initiative involving the impact of water quality on sea otter conservation and recovery." He stated the consensus among research scientists, is that degraded water quality is the principal causal factor. Sea otters keep dying because, in large part, of poor water quality.

Mannina explained, "The second ecosystem management issue that will benefit from research, such as that contemplated under H.R. 3639, is the interrelationship between recovery efforts for the threatened southern sea otter and the environmental requirements for the recovery of the endangered white abalone."

In addition, he reported that in the absence of any real focus by FWS on resolving these important ecosystem management issues, the Fisheries and Sea Otter Conservation Coalition, together with other organizations, is contemplating the merits of instituting legal action under the Endangered Species Act, (ESA) to force FWS to consult regarding the impact of Federally authorized activities on water quality and also regarding the impact of its sea otter conservation program on abalone. It is important that the needs of all species be considered together, rather that singly, using principles of ecosystem management.

To view the summary of H.R. 3639: FOLLOW THIS LINK.

(Sacramento, CA., June 28, 2006)------The California Sea Urchin Commission has taken initiative to form the Fisheries and Sea Otter Conservation Coalition (FSOCC). The coalition's intent is to address the difficult issues involving the protection of the sea otter, while at the same time protecting the livelihoods of people in the fishing industry as well as recreational anglers. The members include the California Sea Urchin Commission, California Trap and Lobster Association, Ventura County Commercial Fishermen's Association, California Wetfish Producers Association, Southern California Trawlers Association, and the Recreational Fishing Alliance. There are other fishery associations considering membership.

The FSOCC's primary goal is to protect sea otters while minimizing the impact on commercial and sport fisheries. The FSOCC is firmly dedicated to achieving a balanced management practices for fisheries and sea otters.

Currently the FSOCC is talking to the Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) regarding the many complex issues raised regarding the fishing industry and the sea otter. The Coalition feels their needs are not being addressed with the FWS. They are hoping that by coming together they can have an impact on any decisions that are made concerning their industry and the protection of the sea otter. The FSOCC is working for a positive outcome for the fishery interests while maintaining a balanced marine ecosystem.