Former Assembly member Virginia Strom-Martin and current Humboldt County Supervisor Jimmy Smith are among the appointees to the Blue Ribbon Task Force that will oversee local implementation of the controversial Marine Life Protection Act, according to an MLPA press release. (Click here for background info.)

Local fishermen have expressed concerns that Marine Protection Areas (MPAs) established by the MLPA are unnecessary here on the North Coast and will jeopardize their livelihoods by making the best fishing spots off limits. The eight-member task force announced today will be charged with developing alternative MPAs and presenting their suggestions to the Fish and Game Commission late next year. The process will include input from fishermen, scientists, elected officials, conservationists, stakeholders and the public, according to the release.

The full task force is listed after the break.

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