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118569784
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Anchovy File (2)
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118569784
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Anchovy File (2)
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Records of the White House Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff (Reagan Administration)
Michael Deaver's Subject Files
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1985-12-31
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Ronald Reagan Presidential Library Digital Library Collections This is a PDF of a folder from our textual collections. Collection: Deaver, Michael Folder Title: Anchovy File (2) Box: 34 To see more digitized collections visit: https://reaganlibrary.gov/archives/digital-library To see all Ronald Reagan Presidential Library inventories visit: https://reaganlibrary.gov/document-collection Contact a reference archivist at: [email protected] Citation Guidelines: https://reaganlibrary.gov/citing National Archives Catalogue: https://catalog.archives.gov/ Ray arnett 136 EL CAMINO BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA 90212 July 17, 1981 Malcom Baldridge Secretary of Commerce 14th E. Northwest Washington, D.C. 20230 Dear Secretary Baldridge, As a past president and eight year member of the California Fish and Game Commission, under then Governor Reagan, I would urge you to take a hard look at the new Pacific Fishery Management Council recommendation for the taking of anchovies off California and participation in this fishery and others by the Soviet Union. Because marine biology is an inexact science, I also feel that the 420,000 ton quota set by the PFMC is danger- ously high (approximately four times higher than quotas allowed by the Commission, and eight times higher than the fisherman have been able to catch in the past). In my lifetime I have watched one of the most prolific areas in the world deteriorate into at best a mediocre marine fishery; all this under the watchful eye of government marine biologists. The fact that there is a bottom in the barrel seems to be elusive. Inviting foreign nations to participate in our already ailing fisheries is a dangerous step. Russia has already overfished it's own waters, and is forced to range far and wide. Mexico has geared up just below the border to fish without restrictions by their government and, with the Russian precident will probably want to participate in our fisheries when their resources run out. This action, coupled with offshore drilling policies will make it increasingly difficult to elect Republicans in this state. Only a small segment of the commercial fisheries would benefit from increased take and foreign participation, while the rest including the related recreational industries and fishing public would suffer from this abuse of the forage fish population. 136 EL CAMINO BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA 90212 2 I feel very strongly about this situation or I wouldn't write this letter. The problems of trying to preserve our dwindling fisheries are tough enough without the injection of international politics. If it would strengthen my credibility, I might add that I am a heeler and a PRCA life member, number C-180. Are you going to believe a cowboy or a biologist? Sincerly, Timothy M. Doheny TMD/blh CC: Berger Bensen Mike Deavers N/A SAC ASSOCIATION. SPORTFISHING ASSOCIATION OF CALIFORNIA 555 E. OCEAN BOULEVARD SUITE 700-A LONG BEACH, CALIFORNIA 90802 (213) 432-2316 August 20, 1981 andrewing OF CALIFORNIA- W. A. NOTT, PRESIDENT PHILLO TOZER, VICE-PRESIDENT Mr. Michael K. Deaver FRANK HALE, SEC'TY-TREASURER Deputy Chief of Staff BOARD OF DIRECTORS Special Assistant To The President AREA 1: W. E. POOLE Washington, D. C. 20500 FRANK LO PRESTE (ALT.) Russian Factoryship DON SANSOME (ALT.) in So. Calif. waters RALPH MILLER BOB MILLER (ALT.) CATHY MILLER (ALT.) Dear Mike: STEVE GIFFIN DAN SANSOME (ALT.) DAN PALM Enclosed are copies of some editorials and letters. linda PALM (ALT.) You may have copies of some of the letters as they have PORT OF SAN DIEGO been directed to Secretary Baldridge with copies to the AREA 2: J. W. McHOLLAND President. JAMES MULLINS (ALT.) BOB pellman (ALT.) IMPERIAL BEACH mission BAY The Public is really beginning to respond. The AREA 3: DON hansen Santa Monica Outlook, San Diego Tribune, Western Out- DICK HELGREN (ALT.) door News and smaller dailies have written editorials OCEANSIDE NEWPORT opposing any factoryship "wolfpack" operations in our AREA 4: FRANK HALE SEAL BEACH LONG BEACH Southern California fragile forage and food fisheries. AREA 5: FRANK HALL They particularly oppose a venture which benefits the JIM PETERSON (ALT.) Russians using the products of our resources. SAN pedro L.A. HARBOR AREA 6: GORDON McRAE, JR. The Long Beach Press Telegram and Los Angeles BARNEY BARNES (ALT.) Times have indicated they are also coming out with SANTA MONICA BAY editorials opposing the Russian joint venture concept. AREA 7: JACK C. WARD FRED BENKO (ALT.) SANDY vernand (ALT.) I've been on the waterfront since 1934 and never PT. DUME MORRO BAY have I seen such unity of purpose involving the com- CHARTER boats: GARRY black mercial, sportfishing, recreational and general public BoB FLETCHER ROGER HESS interests including the man on the street. Politically, I can see nothing but good resulting from the Administrations opposition to the concept. Conversely, if the Administration approves it and one or more factoryships come on scene in these heavily trafficked Southern California waters the tremendous public resentment will become a very large political hot potato. While I realize that this is a small problem when compared to Air Controllers, Libyan jets, etc. we're only going to get one turn at bat and we should not strike out now. We all wish the President, his staff and you, Mike, our very best. Pride in the Nation and respect for government is returning thanks to you all. Sincerely, Bill W. A. Nott, President SANTA MONICA Thurs., Aug. 13, 1981 EVENING OUTLOOK Opinion EVENING OUTLOOK Ours U.S.S.R. seeks profits off California coasts President Reagan may find himself with some new neighbors near his Santa Barbara ranch that he hadn't quite bargained for. Despite Reagan's hard line approach toward the Soviet Union, the administration is currently considering a proposal that would put the Russians right off our Southern California coast by giving a Soviet fishing enterprise rights to surplus United States commercial fisheries. In a plan conceived by the Seattle-based Marine Resouces Co. (half owned by the Soviet Union), a San Pedro fishermen's union and the Soviet government, state and federal waters off the Southern California coast would be opento exploitation by a so-called Russian factory ship for taking four of our basic food and forage fishes - jack mackerel, Pacific mackerel, squid and anchovies. Since the fish, for the most part, would come out of existing quotas already imposed on domestic fishermen, the tonnage figures sought by the joint venture do not seem excessive - 15,000 tons of jack mackerel, as much as 2,700 tons of Pacific mackerel, 2,500 tons of squid and 10,000 tons of anchovies. What bothers us is that Secretary of Commerce Malcomb Baldridge is considering giving the Soviets any of our fish at a time when virtually all of our fisheries are in a state of decline. Biologists cannot agree, on some species, how many of these fish can safely be harvested for our own use, let alone for the benefit of a communist nation. Unlike the wheat U.S. farmers recently agreed to sell the Russians, this proposal also states that some of those fish would be processed and canned by the Russians to be marketed in the Orient, Europe and Third World countries of Africa. Selling a renewable resource like wheat is one thing, but selling something as fragil as the anchovy, which already is being harvested well beyond allegedly "safe" limits established by our biologists, is quite another. Furthermore, most of those fish would be caught and then sold at sea by contracting San Pedro fishermen who would benefit handsomely. Because the sale would be made via the Seattle-based Marine Resources Co., California would loose out on substantial tax money that ordinarily would be paid if the same fish were landed, processed and then sold to the Russians through stateside markets. The Fisherman's Cooperative Association in San Pedro initiated this proposal. They originally approached Marine Resources three years ago, seeking additional markets. They claim that existing San Pedro markets and processors can't handle the quantity of fish the co-op is capable of catching. The processors contend that the co-op's catches are so irregular that hiring additional processing crews can't be justified financially. All of this is made possible through the Fishery Conservation and Management Act of 1976 - a misnomer if there ever was one. The act says, in brief, where a fishery is not being fully utilized by our shoreside processors and commercial fishermen, then any foreign nation may apply for a percentage of that fishery, as determined by the Pacific Fisheries Management Council. Last month the council gave its blessings to the Soviet joint venture proposal. Presently, state and federal fisheries biologists are tying up some loose ends before the whole proposal is accepted or denied by Secretary Baldridge. Representatives of our state and federal fisheries agencies, as well as many within our commercial fishing industries, believe the proposal is nothing more than an attempt by the Russians to gain even further access to our valuable fisheries. The United States fishermen do not enjoy the government assistance that other countries offer their fishing industries. The Japanese, for instance, are the world's leading fishing nation; the Russians are close behind. In both countries, the respective governments subsidize their fishing industries. For these reasons, our fishermen are unable to compete in the international fisheries market. We think the whole plan should be scuttled. The United States should have learned by now that when you go fishing with the Russians, you better carry a big hook. We see no reason to allow the Russians to move into our own backyard, much less assist them to make a profit at our expense. Terri Jonisch, Editor, Opinion pages EDITORIAL STAFF WESTERN Bob Robb Managing Editor George Kramer Associate Editor OUTDOOR Tom Stienstra No. California Editor FIELD REPORTERS: Bill Beebe Steve Comus B# Dow NEWS ney Jack Elis Denver Gamer Dennis Williams Tom Miller Shirley Miller Bill Rivas Jon Niemiec Wilson Lyth goe Norm Philips Lee Schimmer birthne recidy in Editions Except Last Week of Calendar Year BUSINESS STAFF by Burt Twilegar Publisher STERN OUTDOORS PUBLICATIONS Robert Twilegar Business Manager Harvey Naslund Marketing Director IUSINESS OFFICE: 14174 Firestone Dan Whedon Advertising Director lvd., Santa Fe Springs, CA 90670. Jerry Tidwell Advertising Manager UBSCRIPTION & CIRCULATION: P.C. Terry McCormick Western Ad Mgr. Hooper Fowler Circulation Director OX 2027. Newport Beach. CA. 92663. elephone for all subscriptions and delivery ADVERTISING SALES: Harvey Naslund, quests, (714) 540-4222. Jean Meeks, Jerry Tidwell, George Ramsey (213) 873-4883, Terry McCormick, Barbara IDVERTISING & EDITORIAL OFFICES: Gains. (714) 546-4370. 197E Airport Loop Drive, Costa Mesa, CA. 2626. Telephone (714) 546-4370. (adver- SUBSCRIPTION RATES: $15.00 for six sing and editorial information only. sub- months (26 issues): $22.00 for one year (51 cription queries must be directed to (714) issues): $40.00 for two years (102 issues). 40-4222. Second class postage paid at Santa Fe Springs, CA. and additional offices. OSTHASTER: Send notices concerning Subscriptions outside U.S. add $17.34 per address to Western Outdoor News, P.O. year. BOX 2027. Newport Beach, CA. 92663. PHOTOS: Unsolicited photos from readers CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING: Barbara are welcomed, however, we assume no re- Saines Western Outdoor News, P.O. Box sponsibility for lost or non-returned photo- 027, Newport Beach, CA. 92663; tele- graphs. or for photographs submitted but hone (714) 546-4370 not published. DITORIAL Joint Venture: Time to EDITORIAL Shut the Door on Russia The Russian-U.S. joint venture fishing proposal now under consid- Representatives of both the commercial and sport fishing industri ation by Secretary of Commerce Malcome Baldridge in Washington is feel that the proposal is just the first step in an attempt by the Russians proposal that should never be allowed to get off the ground. get a foot in the door of California's fishing grounds. Under such a proposal, a Russian factory ship would soon be seen 1 That door should remain closed to them now, and in the forseeal chored off the coast of California, eagerly awaiting the proposed future. otas of 10,000 tons of anchovies, 15,000 tons of jack mackerel, 2,500 WON urges its readers to write both Secretary Baldridge and Pre is of squid, and up to 2,700 tons of Pacific mackerel to be delivered by dent Reagan denouncing the joint venture proposal. The addresses can San Pedro-based commercial fishing fleet. found in Bill Nott's letter to Sound Off, on this page: Your letters ca While the proposed joint venture appears to be legally sound under the and will, make a difference as this issue is decided. visions of the 1976 Fisheries Conservation and Management Act, and ile the proposed fish quotas may not seem to be great at first glance, have a number of problems with the whole operation. First and foremost, we would like to know why we would allow the issians to process any of these vital fishes when our own scientists nnot even agree on a population figure for them, despite extensive search? Especially in the case of anchovy, the foundation of today's lifornia fishery, caution must be exercised in any harvesting and/or cessing program. And even if there were an agreement on the total population of the ecies in question, why sell them to the Russians? While it's true that the h would only be processed on the Russian factory ship and marketed by project's coordinator, the Seattle-based Marine Resources Co., that mpany is in fact half owned by the Soviet Union. The Russians have openly declared that they intend to consume just ortion of the fish inside their own borders, marketing the remainder to and World nations. This could be of political value to the Soviets, while t benefitting the U.S. at all, if the fish were packaged in containers aring the Hammer and Sickle, and not the Stars and Stripes And under the current proposal squid, which have no official man- ement plan to coordinate their annual harvest, would be the only ecies to touch California soil during the project, making it the only ecies subjected to state taxes. The rest of the fish would be sold by intractural agreement by the San Pedro commercial fleet outside iteside markets, thereby bypassing existing regulations and tax laws. The joint venture proposal would certainly benefit the San Pedro mmercial fishing fleet, the Marine Resources Co., and the Soviets. It ould not benefit the state of California, its millions of sportfishermen, d the remainder of the commercial fishing industry. It would certainly it benefit our already failing marine resources. (continued on this page) 2 WESTERN OUTDOOR NEWS, August 14, 1981 Sound Off! WON reserves the right to edit material published in "Sound Off". Every effort will be made to preserve the meaning and content of letters. All letters reflect the views of the author, and not those of Western Outdoors Publica- tions or its staff. Submissions should not exceed 250 words in length. JOINT VENTURE lic and our fleet were opposed to into resolute indigation. IT'S Dear Editor, the proposition. The only sector in TIME FOR ALL OF US TO GET First, may all of us who are con- favor of it was the representative of INDIGNANT AND EXPRESS cerned with the possibility of a a handful of San Pedro-based purse THAT INDIGNATION BY WRIT- Russian factoryship processing seiners who might profit from the ING A LETTER TO: California's marine resources in venture! Secretary Malcolm Baldridge, our Southern California waters 7. Why allow Russia to take United States Department of Com- thank Bill Beebe for the outstand- U.S.-California resources, then merce, Washington, D.C. 20230. ing articles he has written covering process and distribute them Under SEND COPIES TO: the situation as it changes from day the Russian Flag to Africa and the President Ronald Regan, The to day? Orient? Not only does this bypass White House, Washington, D.C. The coverage that your news- onshore American labor but allows 20500 paper has given has in part served Russia to again dramatize her posi- Sportfishing Association of to focus Secretary of Commerce tion with third world nations! California (SAC) 555 E. Ocean Baldridge's attention on the prob- In closing, the spector of one or Blvd. Suite 700-A, Long Beach, lem and has also interested the more Russian factoryships track- CA. 90802. White House to the degree that a ing our failing marine resources Say what's in your heart, but do "reassessment" period has been with sophisticated elecronic gear it now! The time is short. declared. supported by the U.S. purse- Sincerely, This "reassessment" period is seiners and spotter aircraft should W.A. Nott, President to allow public opinion to form and frighten the hell out of all of us. Sportfishing Association of Cali- make itself felt. My immediate fright has turned fornia (SAC) There are many reasons why a joint venture composed of Soviets and U.S. businessmen using a Russian factory ship supplied by U.S. purse-seiners in So. Califor- nia waters should re refused. A few of these are: 1. There have been no in-depth studies of the jack mackerel, Paci- fic mackerel, anchovy and squid to ascertain what the relative biomas- ses are and if they could sustain this onslaught. These are very im- portant forage fish. 2. Heavy exploitation of the anchovy has been generally re- sisted by the Southern California public since 1963. 3. The joint venture application was approved by the Pacific Fishery Management Council by a vote of 10 to 2 (Northwesterners against Californians in Boise, Ida- ho.) The public was not aware of the meeting until July 6 and it was passed on July 9! 4. Russia has never had access to these important U.S. California fisheries and should not be given hasty consideration now just to placate a group of selfish businessmen. 5. California is the most popu- lous state in the Nation and needs her historic food and forage fish badly. 6. In the testimony given at the July 6 meeting in Long Beach all sectors of commercial fishing in- cluding canners, processors, fresh fish markets, squid fishermen, the HURSDAY, AUGUST 13, (AM/PM) C5 'Russian rip-off' should upset everyone The possibility that a Russian "factory ship," Eddie McEwen's "Pacific Queen" had 47 albacore complete with airplane spotters, six purse seiners and 51 dolphin-fish (mahi-mahi) for 28 passengers (from San Pedro), and fertilizer-chicken feed Jed (and at lot of these were rent-rodders) on Tuesday. grinders, soon will be operating 20 miles off South- ern California's coast is still very real. Welsh There are lots of 12-to-20-pound blue fin tuna being hooked off the west end of San Clemente The application is in front of Secretary of Island, but because they'll only bite very light line Commerce Malcolm Baldridge, who either ap- (10 or 12 pound) a low percentage are being land- proves it (and then sends it to President Reagan ed. for signature) or disapproves it 80 it will be killed. was not the Secretary who approved the presently WHEN I WROTE my letter to President Rea- Judgment on this "Russian rip-off" is being with- used (and very questionable) system of estimating gan I asked him if he wasn't worried about Castro. held for two weeks while Washington gets (1) a our anchovy population in advance. And President He said, "No, since we have lived to see Hitler report on how many forage fish and squid we really Reagan is a fisherman, boatman, and best of all, a "hitlerated" and Stalin "stalinated," he would have remaining, and (2) the reactions of the Ameri- Californian. think Castro would be the one to be worrying!" can people. The president of the Sportfishing Association THE MARLIN seem to be coming in for what The prospect of this scheme actually happen- of California, Bill Nott, should be highly com- could be the best spear-fish season in many a ing should scare the hell out of every sportfisher- mended for the all-out war his organization is stag- moon. There were 20 landed on Saturday and 20 man, environmentalist, and just plain citizen! For ing to fight this piscatorial Russian-roulette. This more on Sunday at San Diego, and six were once, we have a chance to let ourselves be heard is a tiring project and Bill is getting older. In fact, weighed in at Avalon on Sunday. The water tem- where it counts. After all, California is the most he told me recently that when a pretty girl goes by, perature has actually gotten up to 72-74 degrees in heavily populated state in the nation, and as it his pacemaker barely makes the garage door go up. the popular marlin spots. This is not good for alba- continues to grow we really need our own forage to core but it's perfect to attract and keep our striped support both our commercial and sportfishing in- THOSE YO-YO albacore have done it again. friends. dustries - not to mention the incalculable value of First they're up, then they're down and now they're Paul Albrecht, the well-known peddler of Uni- recreation and health. back again. As of the first of this week the boats flite boats and a marlin maestro, tells me these For the price of a couple of stamps you can out of San Diego (75 to 90 miles out) were sackin' exotic fish are showing up from Ensenada to the truly assist in the battle - and please do! Write a 'em up. The "Dreamer" - a charter boat from west end of Catalina. Returning from the albacore short letter telling what you think about this at- Queen's Wharf Landing but operating from San tournament, Paul and friends hooked (and inad- tempted scam to: Secretary Malcolm Baldridge, Diego during the albacore run - had 24 fish for six vertantly released) two marlin. But the topper is U.S. Department of Commerce, Washington, D.C., people and a 140-pound tuna on Sunday. On Mon- the San Diego party boat that, while trotting alba- 20230. Also send a copy to President Ronald Rea- day, there were 19 fish for five anglers, including core jigs, had a quadruple marlin hook-up! gan, The White House, Washington, D.C., 20500. "Speed" Hutton and John Betts of Fisherman's Boy, that'd be no place for a guy with coronary One thing in our favor - Secretary Baldridge Hardware. Several boats had 100 or more and trouble! Steven W. Nott 99 - 63rd Place #7 Long Beach, CA 90803 August 11, 1981 Secretary Malcolm Baldridge United States Department of Commerce Washington, D.C. 20230 Dear Mr. Secretary: I am a lifelong resident of Southern California and have been an ardent saltwater fisherman for 26 of my 33 years. I have always enjoyed fishing as a recreation, but I have also fished tuna, albacore, squid and anchovy commercially. During my years of fishing, I have seen the sardines decimated and such fish as yellowtail, tuna, barracuda, halibut and white seabass that were once plentiful, now become a rarity to catch. I feel the reasons for the decline of these fish are directly related to not only ocean ecological conditions, but the worldwide pressure placed on these and other forage species by commercial fishing. Now the Russians are applying for permission to place a factory reduction ship off the coast of Southern California. I am totally against this proposal! The pressure that the anchovy, squid and jack mackerel are under as a food and protein source is obvious without the added impact of the "wolfpack concept" of factory ship, purse seiner and spotter aircraft method of catching and reducing. It is amazing to me that we would even consider taking this needed income and protein source from the American people and giving it to a nation that is our greatest threat in the world. I realize that the 30,000 tons applied for by the Russians is not that large. However, this is just "the foot in the door". It seems only logical that once granted this petition, they will be asking for additional tonnage with each year and possibly offering to pay more per ton than the local processors. Mr. Secretary, I have been shocked in the past years by our Administrations. The Iran situation, Abscam, and the Soviet invasion of Afganistan are just a few events that have made me wonder if politicians and administrations bend towards Secretary Malcolm Baldridge Page 2 and Soviet threats or have the strength to take a stand in money and say "enough is enough". I have great pride and faith President Reagan and his Administration and feel confident that there is finally some backbone to our Government. Please, Mr. Secretary, deny this petition. Let's keep this protein source, income and work where it belongs, in the United States of America. Sincerely, StevenW. Nott STEVEN W. NOTT cc: President Ronald Reagan The White House Washington, D.C. 20500 Sportfishing Association of Califonria 555 E. Ocean Boulevard Suite 700 - A Long Beach, California 90802 TOM M. OLY 6355 Topanga Canyon Boulevard Suite 428 Woodland Hills, California 91367 August 14, 1981 Sportfishing Association of California 555 East Ocean Boulevard Suite 700-A Long Beach, California 90802 Dear Sirs: It has come to my attention that the United States is considering a joint commercial fishing venture with the Russians off the coast of California. I want you to know that I am against this proposed joint venture for the following reasons: Number 1: As a sports fisherman in Southern California for the last 30 years, I have seen a general decline in the fisheries. Although my experience would be unscientific, there is ample scientific evidence that the fisheries have declined off the California coast. Number 2: The providing the Russians with anchovies and Jack mackerel is especially bad because these are both bait fish. As the supply of bait fish off the California coast is reduced, so will be the number of larger fish that feed on them. Number 3: The Russians have stated publicly that they will bury us economically. Over the years they have consistently done whatever they could to hurt our country and I think it is sheer folly to sell to a devout enemy. Please call off this joint venture as it will do no good for our country but can do a lot of good for our enemy. Sincerely, Tom TOM M. OLY m. Oly Secretary Malcolm Baldridge August 12, 1981 U.S. Dept. of Commerce Washington, D.C. 20230 Dear Sir; I am grossly appalled to learn of the possibility of a Russian factory-ship processing California's marine resources in our So. California waters. California is the most populous state in the nation and needs her historic food and forage fish badly. Russia has never had access to these important U.S. California fisheries and should not be given hasty con- sideration now, just to placate a group of selfish busi- nessmen. There are many reasons why a joint venture composed of Soviets and U.S. businessmen using a Russian factory- ship in So. California waters should be refused. There have been no in-depth studies of the Jack mackerel, Pacific mackerel, Anchovy and Squid to ascertain what the relative biomasses are and if they could sustain this onslaught. Again, I stress these are very important forage fish. Why has heavy exploitation of the Anchovy been generally resisted by So. California public since 1963? Why allow Russia to take U.S. -California resources, then process and distribute them under the Russian flag to Africa and the Orient? Not only does this bypass on shore American labor but allows Russia to again dramatize her position with Third World Nations! This issue is very important to me and my family. We demand action and proper reassessment by your office now! Cordially, J.C. Winchell CC. President Ronald Reagan Sport Fishing Association of California August 10, 1981 Mr. Malcolm Baldridge Office of the Secretary United States Department of Commerce Washington, D.C. 20230 Subject: Russian Fish Factoryship Operating in Southern California waters. Dear Mr. Secretary, I have been actively sportfishing the ocean off southern California for more than fifty years. I have witnessed what was once a bountiful area deteriorate to the degree that I now Book fish that I used to throw back. No longer do I catch Baracuda, Yellowtele, Skipjack, Albacore, and Tunn. I now settle for Mackerel and Donita when I can find them. This I strongly believe is because commercial fishermen over fished to the point of practically wiping out sardines. They were doing a good job on the anchovy until the public became aroused. With the forage fish gone the game fish BOOD left. NOW THE RUSSIANS ARE COMING. with the help of e few short sighted Americans they will decimate our fish far beyond what has occured in the past. We all know the old adage - "Give an inch, take a mile." I'm hohind President Reagon 100 per cent. I feel that once he is advised of the facts he will deny the Fuscions the opportunity to out maneuver us as they have under previous administrations. The public will really blow a ganket when they finally loarn about the rip off that is about to take place if cool heads don't prevail. Mr. Secretary, I beseech you to prevent this from happening. Sincerely, George Prittyman George Prettyman Copies sent to: President Ronald Reagan, The White House Washington, D.C. 20500 Sportfishing Assoc. of Calif. (SAC) 555 E. Ocean Blvd. Suite 700-A, Long Beach, Calif. 90802 AUGUST 14, 1981 SECRETARY MAlcolm BAldRidGE UNiTED STATES DEPT. of COMMERCE WAShiNGTON, D.C. 20230 MR. SECRETARY: I AM WRitiNG To MAKE you AWARE ThAT I AM VEhEMENTLY opposED To ThE PROPOSED joiNT VENTURE fishing PROPOSAL bEiNG CONSIDERED by you AT This TimE. As A sport fishERmAN, I bEliEvE ThAT such AN OPERATION, whilE bENEfitiNG A fEw, would work TO ThE dETRimENT of ThE MAjoRiTy of ThE pEoplE of This COUNTRY, NOT only of us in CALifoRNiA. I Also opposE ThE SAlE of whEAT To A country which is dEdicATED To AND openly WORKING TOWARDS ThE destruction AND/OR TAKE-OVER of ouR COUNTRY. SINCERELY, (Leare 8. Sloore DEANE N. MOORE C.C. PRESIDENT RZGAN 2101 HAMER DR., SpoRTfishiNG Ass'N. PLACENTIA, CA 92670 of CALifoRNiA AUGUST 13, 1981 SECRETARY MALCOLM BALDRIDGE U.S. DEPT OF COMMERCE WASHINGTON D.C. 20230 MR. SECRETARY: THIS LETTER IS TO INFORM YOU OF MY FEELINGS TOWARD THE JOINT VENTURE ALLOWING A RUSSIAN FACTORY SHIP IN TO THE CALIFORNIA AREA TO PROCESS THE FISH CAUGHT BY A FEW CALIFORNIA BASED FISHING BOATS. PLEASE, UNDER NO CONDITIONS, PERMIT THIS TO OCCUR. OUR LOCAL FISHERY IS IN VERY BAD CONDITION AS IT IS AND THE REMOVAL OF ANYMORE OF THE FOOD FISH, ANCHOVIES, MACKERAL, SQUID AND WHATEVER ELSE MIGHT BE . TAKEN WILL DEAL OUR RESOURCE A DEATH BLOW. IT IS INCUMBANT UPON YOU THAT YOU PROTECT THIS VITAL RESOURCE, NOT ONLY FOR THE FOOD SUPPLY, BUT ALSO FOR THE FURTURE OF OUR STATE AND COUNTRY. THE FISHING INDUSTRY, BOTH COMMERCIAL AND SPORT, SUPPORT A LARGE SEGMENT OF OUR ECONOMY AND MUST NOT BE DESTROYED FOR THE SAKE OF A FEW SELFISH BUSINESSMAN. I URGE AND REQUEST THAT YOU STOP THIS DESTRUCTION OF OUR VITAL RESOURCE, RESPECTFULLY Barney J Caliends 495 Brompton CC : PRESIDENT SPORT FISHING RONALD ASSN REGAN OF CALIF. WASHINGTON LONG D.C. BEACH, CA. Bell, Calif 90201 Swanson Insurance Service, Inc. AUGUST 10, 1981 SECRETARY MALCOLM BALDRIDGE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE WASHINGTON, D. C. 20230 RE: RUSSIAN FACTORYSHIP IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA WATERS DEAR MR. SECRETARY: NEYT, NEYT, NEYT. PLEASE MAKE EVERY EFFORT YOUR OFFICE CAN EXERCISE TO DEFEAT ATTEMPTS TO USE RUSSIAN FACTORYSHIP, IN ANY OF OUR WATERS - INCLUDING THE SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA AREA. OUR RESOURCE IS LIMITED AS IT IS AND SHOULD BE HERE FOR THE BENEFIT OF OUR OWN PEOPLE. SINCERELY, ROBERT SWANSON RS/MS CC PRESIDENT RONALD REAGAN THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON, D. C. 20500 SPORTFISHING ASSOCIATION OF CALIFORNIA 555 E. OCEAN BLVD., SUITE 700-A LONG BEACH, CALIFORNIA 90802 Post Office Box 1287 / Tustin, California 92680 / (714) 973-4660 ENTURA SPORTFISHING 000 LANDING 1500 ANCHORS WAY DRIVE VENTURA, CALIFORNIA (805) 644-7363 August 12, 1981 Mr. Malcolm Baldridge Office of the Secretary United States Department of Commerce Washington, D. C. 20230 Dear Mr. Secretary: As an individual member of the Sportfishing Association of California (SAC) and as general manager of a member sportfishing landing, I would like to call the following potential dangers of the proposed joint fishing venture with the U. S.S. R. off the California coast to your attention. First and foremost our association has documented to the Federal Government many times the absolute danger of our an- chovie fishery being depleted through misuse by Americans. It is my opinion that rather than helping another nation to help deplete this fishery you should be actively involved with helping to find a way to pressure this fishery which is the cornerstone of our in- dustry which employs thousands of American people. Further, it is a rather frightening proposition to think that America would allow its potentially most dangerous enemy to bring sophisticated electronic gear aboard ships and aircraft so close to the coast of the United States. Please do not give the U.S.S.R. the potential to do harm to us by joining with them in this venture that they have requested. Sincerely, BoRKond Bob Knudsen General Manager BK:es CC: President Ronald Reagan Sportfishing Association of California Redondo Sport Fishing August 11, 1981 Secretary Malcolm Baldridge United States Department of Commerce Washington, D. C. 20230 Dear Mr. Secretary: There are several small businesses within Redondo Sport Fishing that are dependent upon the fragile fisheries in our coastal waters for their livelihood. We are shocked, incensed, and scared to death of the spector of Russian factoryships with sophisticated electronic gear and spotter planes exploiting our rapidly decreasing marine resources. Please believe that one factoryship with this kind of backup is capable of wiping out several species. You simply cannot allow this to happen -- do not approve the Russian Joint Venture application!! If we allow Russia to come in with factoryships, within a very short time we can be looking at the extinction of anchovies and squid from these waters. They will go the same way that sardines were eradicated from these waters a few years back by overfishing. You have the fate of these fragile species in your hands, Mr. Secretary. Please protect them by not approving the Russian Joint Venture application. Sincerely, Terry Turk, President TT:jt CC: President Ronald Reagan, White House, Washington, D. C. 20500 Sportfishing Association of California, 555 E. Ocean Blvd., Long Beach, Ca. 233 NORTH HARBOR DRIVE, REDONDO BEACH, CALIFORNIA 90277 (213) 372-3566 or 772-2064 Secretary Malcolm Baldridge United States Department of Commerce Washington, D.C. August 13, 1981 Dear Sir: I would like to register my extreme opposition to the recent decision by the Pacific Fishery Management Council to approve a joint venture with Russia to process anchovies, mackerel and other species in California waters. This plan establishes a dangerous precedent for foreign commercial exploitation of our dwindling marine resources. With respect to the anchovy fishery, at a time when experts cannot agree what the actual spawning biomass of this species is; when the resource is faced with increasing exploitation by Mexican fishing interests, it would seem extremely unwise to allow harvesting of this vitally important forage and bait fish by any foreign nation, much less the Soviet Union, in U.S. waters. Additionally, it appears from recent public testimony and newspaper accounts that with the exception of the San Pedro and Seattle interests directly in- volved, all segments of the commercial and sportfishing industries are united in opposition to the joint venture proposal. Caution should be the byword in matters such as these, and careful thought should be given to the potentially disastrous consequences of this ill-conceived joint venture plan. Sincerely, Step Fab Steven R. Forbes 829 Arden Dr. Encinitas, CA. 92024 AUGUST 13, 1981 SECRETARY MALCOLM BALDRIDGE U.S. DEPT OF COMMERCE WASHINGTON D.C. 20230 MR. SECRETARY: THIS LETTER IS TO INFORM YOU OF MY FEELINGS TOWARD THE JOINT VENTURE ALLOWING A RUSSIAN FACTORY SHIP INTO THE CALIFORNIA AREA TO PROCESS THE FISH CAUGHT BY A FEW CALIFORNIA BASED FISHING BOATS. PLEASE, UNDER NO CONDITIONS, PERMIT THIS TO OCCUR. OUR LOCAL FISHERY IS IN VERY BAD CONDITION AS IT IS AND THE REMOVAL OF ANY MORE OF THE FOOD FISH, ANCHOVIES, MACKERAL, SQUID AND WHATEVER ELSE MIGHT BE TAKEN WILL DEAL OUR RESOURCE A DEATH BLOW. IT IS INCUMBANT UPON YOU THAT YOU PROTECT THIS VITAL RESOURCE, NOT ONLY FOR THE FOOD SUPPLY, BUT ALSO FOR THE FUTURE OF OUR STATE AND COUNTRY. THE FISHING INDUSTRY, BOTH COMMERCIAL AND SPORT, SUPPORTS A LARGE SEGMENT OF OUR ECONOMY AND MUST NOT BE DESTROYED FOR THE SAKE OF A FEW SELFISH BUSINESSMEN. I URGE AND REQUEST THAT YOU STOP THIS DESTRUCTION OF OUR VITAL RESOURCE. RESPECTFULLY, Donald a Dawis DONALD A. DAVIS 1715 152nnst CC: PRESIDENT REAGAN WASHINGTON D.C. Gardena, CAliN 90247 SPORTFISHING ASSN OF CALIF,, LONG BEACH, CA. 8-12-81 Secretary Malcolm Baldridge U.S. Dept. of Commerce Washington, D. C. 20230 Dear Secretary Baldridge, The are autraged that you would even consider allowing a Russian fish factory ship to operate in California waters. We have been working for years to save the anchony. It is our last remaining forage fish. The sardine, its predecessor virtual was decimated to the point of extinction by the same kind of thinking contemplating. and acting which you are The pressure exerted by our non fish reduction fleet and that of Mexico is more then enough. Expecial 2. since no One really knows appriopriat resource. havest tonnage for this precises there are myriad other reasons why California economy, enhancement of this is a truly outrageous idea; the Russian visibility rather than our own, and the indisputable fact that one of the targeted specie, the anchony supports, almost alone now, the intire fish food chain in these waters. abandon this dangerous "joint venture" proposal at Once ! Mr and Mrs Sincerely, a.J. Pubering 3735 slobe are ?C: President S.A.C Rould Reagan L.a. Ca 90066 W.O.N. "Sound it!" Secretary of Commerce Malcome Baldridge Dear Sir I have been a supporter of the present administration and was considering entering into a joint fishing appalled to read that you are venture with the Russians This agreement profils only a small glays of commercial fisherna and of course the Russin I implore you to take into consideration our dividling Ocean resources and put a stop to the agreement once and for all Sincerely Carl B. Slabel ?l President Renald Rega sport Lishing assoc. Anabony 7 DOHENY RANCHES DOHGEL RACING STABLES MAIN OFFICE LAS VARAS RANCH 15855 OLSEN ROAD 136 EL CAMINO RT. I, BOX 234-A SIMI VALLEY, CALIFORNIA 93065 BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA 90212 GOLETA, CALIFORNIA 9301 M. H. CHRISTENSEN, Manager (213) 276-3154 RALPH LAUSTEN, Manager (805) 523-7211 (805) 968-9758 August 20, 1981 The Honorable Malcom Baldridge Secretary of Commerce 14th E. Northwest Washington, D. C. 20230 Dear Mr. Secretary, Thank you for your prompt response to my letter. As for facts, the problems arise from a lack of facts upon which to base estimates and recommendations. I've heard "educated" estimates of the anchovy biomass range all the way from 2 1/2 to 6 1/2 million tons in a given year. The good Lord never told these people how many fish were out there to begin with; therefore, there is no handle on which to base the results of their meager samplings. The biologists would have you believe that they can use a totally inadequate research method, relate it to an unknown. figure, and come up with a realistic assessment of a fish pop- ulation. Many of their colleagues will agree with me. If there are as many fish out there as they say there are, why havn't the fisherman with their scanners, fathometers, power blocks, and other sophisticated gear been able to take anywhere near the much smaller quotas of the past? When in doubt, as they always seem to be, government biologists (state and federal) historically make their recommen- dations for commercial quotas on the high side, as if under- utilization were the cardinal sin. This fear of underutilizatio can result in the worst kind of brinksmanship. You don't have to fish out a resource to make it vulnerable to ecological disasters (Peru). To another subject - I have a ranch on the coast about fifteen miles from President Reagan's place. We have a great arena with lights, sixty head of corriente steers, and good horses. I hope you can see your way clear to combine business with pleasure someday. You have an open invitation. DOHENY RANCHES DOHGEL RACING STABLES MAIN OFFICE LAS VARAS RANCH 15855 OLSEN ROAD 136 EL CAMINO RT. I, BOX 234-A SIMI VALLEY, CALIFORNIA 93065 BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA 90212 GOLETA, CALIFORNIA 930 M. H. CHRISTENSEN, Manager (213) 276-3154 RALPH LAUSTEN, Manage (805) 523-7211 (805) 968-9758 2 I know I have sixty head of steers because I counted them. I didn't count the turds in a two square foot area and extrapolate* this number into an estimate of the biomass in a 1000 acre field. Thank you for your patience in reading my letters. I'm sincere and, I think, fairly knowledgable about the problems in this area. No axe to grind 1 just concern. Keep up the good work and remember, throw hard! Sincerly, Timothy LimDokeng M. Dohény *P.S. I hope this isn't one of the words you dislike. TMD/blh CC: Mike Deaver DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE THE SECRETARY OF COMMERCE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA Washington, D.C. 20230 10 AUG 1981 Mr. Timothy M. Doheny 136 El Camino Beverly Hills, California 90212 Dear Mr. Doheny: Thank you for the letter regarding the anchovy quota off California for the 1981-82 season. Each year an anchovy quota is developed using a procedure and formula established by the 1978 Fishery Management Plan for the Northern Anchovy Fishery. This formula allows a total harvest of one-third of the spawning biomass over one million tons. This assures that adequate numbers of anchovies will remain unharvested to conserve the stock and provide adequate forage for game fish and other marine species. The spawning biomass of the northern anchovy fluctuates widely from year to year. The 1981 estimate of 2.8 million metric tons is double last year's figure. This accounts for the large increase in the total allowable U.S. harvest this year. The biomass estimates for this species are determined by the National Marine Fisheries Service, and are considered among the best of any species managed by the Department. Should this biomass show a decrease next year, annual quotas will be adjusted downward as appropriate. If approved, the U.S. -Soviet joint venture arrangement would allow U.S. fishermen to sell up to 10,000 tons of anchovies to a Soviet processing vessel. This represents 2.4 percent of the total allowable U.S. catch. The Department favors such joint ventures when it appears that U.S. fisher- men are able to harvest more fish than can be handled by U.S. processors. The Department is currently reviewing the merits of this joint venture proposal, and should decide by early September whether to recommend approval of the proposal by the Department of State. If you have any additional questions concerning the northern anchovy quota or the joint venture proposal, please contact Dr. John Byrne, Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration at (202)377-3567. Sincerely, Milula Bulding / want to believe a cowboy over a biologist, if Secretary of Commerce he got the facts so please write back around if here you disag on them. Very little noping who B F COMMERCI THE SECRETARY OF commerce WASHINGTON, D.C. 20230 August 12, 1981 Honorable Michael L. Deaver file here Assistant to the President Deputy Chief of Staff The White House e lan Washington, D.C. 20500 Dear Mike, r and Thanks for sending along Ray Arnett's letter to you concern- ing the anchovy situation. You might be interested in my reply to Timothy Doheny. ion Sincerely, st The Malcolm Baldrige it Enclosure is artment sher- I the a thern tact nd Milula Balding / want to believe a cowboy over a biologist, of Secretary of Commerce he got the facts - so please write back if have you desagn on them. Very little noping who around B DEPARTM UMMERCE THE SECRETARY OF COMMERC Washington, D.C. 20230 UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 10 AUG 1981 Mr. Timothy M. Doheny 136 El Camino Beverly Hills, California 90212 Dear Mr. Doheny: Thank you for the letter regarding the anchovy quota off California for the 1981-82 season. Each year an anchovy quota is developed using a procedure and formula established by the 1978 Fishery Management Plan for the Northern Anchovy Fishery. This formula allows a total harvest of one-third of the spawning biomass over one million tons. This assures that adequate numbers of anchovies will remain unharvested to conserve the stock and provide adequate forage for game fish and other marine species. The spawning biomass of the northern anchovy fluctuates widely from year to year. The 1981 estimate of 2.8 million metric tons is double last year's figure. This accounts for the large increase in the total allowable U.S. harvest this year. The biomass estimates for this species are determined by the National Marine Fisheries Service, and are considered among the best of any species managed by the Department. Should this biomass show a decrease next year, annual quotas will be adjusted downward as appropriate. If approved, the U.S.-Soviet joint venture arrangement would allow U.S. fishermen to sell up to 10,000 tons of anchovies to a Soviet processing vessel. This represents 2.4 percent of the total allowable U.S. catch. The Department favors such joint ventures when it appears that U. fisher- men are able to harvest more fish than can be handled by U.S. processors. The Department is currently reviewing the merits of this joint venture proposal, and should decide by early September whether to recommend approval of the proposal by the Department of State. If you have any additional questions concerning the northern anchovy quota or the joint venture proposal, please contact Dr. John Byrne, Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration at (202)377-3567. Sincerely, Milula Bulding want to believe a cowboy over a biologist, if Secretary of Commerce_ he got the facts - so please write back if have you disage on them. Very little noping who around B OF make INTERIOR S United States Department of the Interior OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY March 1849 WASHINGTON, D.C. 20240 NOTE TO: Michael K. Deaver Deputy Chief of Staff FROM: Assistant to the President Ray G. Ray Arnett Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks Per your request, Mike --- my staff has prepared a suggested reply for you in response to Bill Nott's letter. It says nothing that Bill does not already know, but it does indicate your awareness of the situation. However, what Nott, Tim Doheney, and other sport fishermen in Southern California want to hear is that the White House has prevented Secretary Baldridge from approving the Pacific Fisheries Management Council's (PFMC) recommendation to take anchovies. The anchovy reduction fishery is an extremely emotional issue in California. The Administration will take a beating from sportsmen and environmentalists if Secretary Baldridge approves the PFMC recommendation. Only a handful of Northern California fishermen will benefit, and to what extent is questionable at best. To share with Russia the commercial harvest of this important forage fish is not considered beneficial to America in general, nor pacific coast sport fishermen in particular. It's hard to understand how the President will gain any points by allowing the PFMC recommendation to go into affect. My political and professional recommendation is for the White House to suggest that Secretary Baldridge not approve the PFMC recommendation. Attachment August 6, 1981 DRAFT Mr. William A. Nott President, Sportfishing Association of California 555 East Ocean Boulevard Suite 700-A Long Beach, Calfornia 90802 Dear Bill: Since receiving your letter of July 27, 1981, we have taken a closer look at the anchovy question. So far this is what we have seen: The Pacific Fishery Management Council, which answers to Malcolm Baldrige, Secretary of Commerce, annually updates a management plan for the anchovy resource on the west coast. This year, the Marine Resources Company of Seattle (50 percent owned by the Soviet Union and 50 percent owned by American fishing interests) has applied to the Council for a joint-venture permit to purchase and process 4 species of fish off southern California. The Magnuson Fishery and Conservation Act of 1976 permits this when American processors are unlikely to use all the fish American vessels could harvest. That determination is yet to be made. The Council has recommended that the joint-venture be allowed to purchase 3 species from American fishermen for processing on a Soviet factory ship: 10,000 metric tons of anchovies; 15,000 metric tons of jack mackerel, and 2,500 metric tons of squid. Last year the total fish meal quota for anchovies was 166,400 tons and the U.S. fleet--the only fleet involved--landed about 62,000 tons. -2- This year the Council says that the fish meal quota could be increased to 359,285 tons from a total anchovy resource estimated at 2,803,000 tons. That figure already takes into account the amount of anchovies the Mexican fishery will take. The Council will be meeting soon to discuss the anchovy plan and may make additional ad justments in these figures. However, the revisions should be minor. We are awaiting Malcolm's analysis of the joint-venture proposal in light of the suggestions that have already been made, and will consider it in context with your analysis. We are also fortunate in being able to use Ray Arnett's experience with the anchovy fishery as a sounding board for the decision we will be reaching soon. Thank you for your assistance and expression of concern. Sincerely, Michael J. Deaver Assistant to the President SPORTFISHING ASSOCIATION OF CALIFORNIA SAC 555 E. OCEAN BOULEVARD - SUITE 700-A LONG BEACH, CALIFORNIA 90802 (213) 432-2316 Amelt Augsented July 27, 1981 OF CALIFORNIA: W. A. NOTT, PRESIDENT for PHILLO TOZER, VICE-PRESIDENT FRANK HALE, SEC'TY-TREASURER reply M.KD board OF DIRECTORS AREA 1: W. E. POOLE FRANK LO PRESTE (ALT.) DON SANSOME (ALT.) Mr. Michael J. Deaver RALPH MILLER BoB MILLER (ALT.) Assistant to the President CATHY MILLER (ALT.) The White House STEVE GIFFIN dan SANSOME (ALT.) Washington, D. C. dan PALM LINDA PALM (ALT.) PORT OF SAN DIEGO AREA 2: J. W. McHOLLAND Dear Mike: JAMES MULLINS (ALT.) BoB pellman (ALT.) IMPERIAL BEACH MISSION BAY Enclosed is a copy of our official position area 3: DON hansen on the proposed joint venture with a Russian DICK HELGREN (ALT.) factory ship in Southern California waters to OCEANSIDE NEWPORT process anchovies, blue mackerel, squid and AREA 4: FRANK HALE SEAL BEACH LONG BEACH jack mackerel. AREA 5: FRANK HALL JIM peterson (ALT.) Also enclosed are some press clippings SAN PEDRO L.A. HARBOR which are accurate as to what the proposal is AREA 6: GORDON McRAE, JR. BARNEY BARNES (ALT.) all about. SANTA MONICA BAY AREA 7: JACK C. WARD This is the most momentous subject to ever FRED BENKO (ALT.) hit California's marine resources. The Southern SANDY VERNAND (ALT.) PT. DUME MORRO BAY California public has a great affinity for the CHARTER BOATS: GARRY BLACK anchovy since overfishing removed the sardine. BoB FLETCHER ROGER HESS The man on the street feels very strongly on the subject and when you hook it up to a Russian factory ship, it's dynamite! The recreational people are against it as are 99% of the commercial fishing industry. We need your help now as Secretary Baldridge is scheduled to act by August 1 to either approve or disapprove the joint venture. My office phone is (213) 432-2316 and home is (213) 631-5618. Please call early or late if I can assist with further details. Sincerely Bill W. A. Nott, President The Sportfishing Association of California (SAC) JUL 30 RECD 98-10 SAC SPORTFISHING ASSOCIATION OF CALIFORNIA 555 E. OCEAN BOULEVARD - SUITE 700-A LONG BEACH, CALIFORNIA 90802 (213) 432-2316 July 27, 1981 CALIFORNIA W. A. NOTT, PRESIDENT PHILLO TOZER, VICE-PRESIDENT FRANK HALE, SEC'TY-TREASURER Mr. Malcolm Baldridge Office of the Secretary BOARD OF DIRECTORS United States Department of Commerce AREA 1: W. E. POOLE FRANK LO PRESTE (ALT.) Washington, D. C. 20230 DON SANSOME (ALT.) RALPH MILLER BOB MILLER (ALT.) CATHY MILLER (ALT.) Dear Mr. Secretary: STEVE GIFFIN DAN SANSOME (ALT.) DAN PALM The Sportfishing Association of California (SAC) LINDA PALM (ALT.) PORT OF SAN DIEGO represents the 375 large commercial passenger fish- AREA 2: J. W. McHOLLAND ing vessels in California. This fleet, in a good JAMES MULLINS (ALT.) year, will transport 900,000 fishermen to the BOB PELLMAN (ALT.) IMPERIAL BEACH MISSION BAY offshore banks and islands, performing a service REA 3: DON HANSEN to the general public of restricted income. DICK HELGREN (ALT.) OCEANSIDE NEWPORT I have been a member of the Anchovy and Mackerel REA 1: FRANK HALE Sub-panel to the Pacific Fishery Management Council SEAL BEACH LONG BEACH since its inception in 1975. Since 1962 I have REA 5: frank HALL JIM PETERSON (ALT.) been present in over 350 hours of discussion with SAN PEDRO L.A. HARBOR scientific representatives of the California REA 13: GORDON MCRAE, JR. Department of Fish and Game, National Marine BARNEY BARNES (ALT.) SANTA MONICA BAY Fisheries Service, Scripps Institute, CALCOFI REA 7: JACK C. WARD and Mexico on methods of assessing the biomass. FRED BENKO (ALT.) SANDY VERNAND (ALT.) PT DUME MORRO BAY Interwoven throughout this discourse has HARTER BOATS: GARRY BLACK always been the uncertainty reflected by the BOB FLETCHER scientists as to the actual amount of the spawning ROGER HESS biomass; what the result of a heavy take coupled with a natural catastrophe effecting recruitment would be and the great need for checks, crosschecks, egg and larva surveys, sonar surveys, egg production surveys, etc, in an endeavor to gain a handle on this fragile resource. As recently as June of this year the NMFS Anchovy Planning Team headed by Dr. Gary Stauffer and Alex McColl were explaining the difference between the egg-larva and egg production methods of computing the spawning anchovy biomass. They were quite honest at that point in admitting they did not have a handle on the biomass NOR ANY DEGREE OF CONFIDENCE IN THE EGG-LARVA METHOD, THE VERY METHOD CONTAINED WITHIN THE ANCHOVY PLAN APPROVED BY THE PRIOR SECRETARY. Our industry and the public who fish aboard our vessels are opposed to a joint venture with the Russians to take anchovies, -2- blue mackerel, jack mackerel and squid for the following reasons: 1. there have been no in-depth studies to ascertain the biomass of the blue or jack mackerel or squid to determine the importance as forage to predator fish. They are unquestionably very important links in the food chain. 2. heavy exploitation of the anchovy has been generally resisted by the Southern California public since 1963 coupled with the demise of the sardine by overfishing. 3. there has been little consideration given to this joint venture by the Council. The public was not aware of it until the July 6 meeting in Long Beach. This was the only open meeting held in Southern California on the subject with practically no advance notice in the media. 4. Russia has never had access to these important U.S. and California fisheries and should not be given hasty consideration now. These are not unused fisheries as were the joint ventures with her on the unused U.S. hake fishery. 5. California is the most populous state in the Nation with the heaviest demands on her marine resources by both the commercial and recreational industries, and needs her forage and food fish desperately. 6. in the testimony given at the NMFS July 6 meeting in Long Beach all sectors of the commercial fishing fleet, processors and canners, fresh fish markets, SAC's fleet and the recreational public were opposed to this joint venture. THE ONLY SECTOR THAT ENDORSED THE JOINT VENTURE WITH RUSSIA WAS THE REPRESENTATIVE OF THE SMALL GROUP OF PURSE-SEINERS WHO MIGHT PROFIT FROM IT IN THE SHORT-HAUL IN THE LONG-HAUL, HOWEVER, RUSSIA WOULD BEGIN TO CALL THE SHOTS TO THE DISMAY OF THE SEINERS. 7. because of the uncertainty of the scientists as to the true amount of the spawning biomass and their low confidence factor in the present egg-larva method of assessment why give part of a quota which lacks credibility to a foreign power? 8. why allow Russia to take U.S. -California resources, process them and distribute them UNDER THE RUSSIAN FLAG to Africa and the Orient? Not only does this bypass onshore American labor but allows Russia to again dramatize her position with 3rd World nations. In summary, Mr. Secretary, we beseech you to return the joint venture application unapproved. The time to keep the head of the Russian bear out of the tent of U.S.-California resources is now! Sincerely, Bill NOTT W. A. Nott, President The Sportfishing Association of California (SAC) July 24, 1981, WESTERN OUTDOOR NEWS ACCORDING TO THE 1976 federal fisheries act. staterregulation. prevail in fisheries where no management plan has been formulated by the council. Of the four fisheries sought by the Russians, management BEEBE SHOTS plans for only two-Pacific mackerel and anchovies-have been aproved by the council. "It is my personal opinion they (PFMC) acted in a very hasty man- Sportsmen Need ner, Nott protested. There is no reason for it. The Russians never have had privy to these fisheries before. There's no reason to give it to them to Attend Meeting now. If they're going to give it to a foreign nation, they ought to consider Mexico. Nott said attorneys for his association are preparing a brief to file in Bill Beebe federal court that would halt implimentation of the Russian joint venture permit until arguments over the Secretary of Commerce authority to do so SHOULD CALIFORNIA open its fisheries to Russian ex- have been settled. ploitation? "They need to be shown we are not going to sit here in Southern Do you agree with the Pacific Fisheries Management Council California and just take it,'' Nott said of the council's actions opening recommendations for a 420.700-ton quota for the upcoming state waters to the Russians. Nott said the very future of California's sport anchovy reduction fishing season? and commercial fisheries lies in the outcome of Russian joint venture plan. Would you like to say anything about how California manages its The troops (sportsmen) had better be there next Wednesday (July 29) commercial fisheries? to say what they' ve got to say. It may be their last chance to do it. Nott If you do, then you're invited to attend a special meeting of the state said. Fish and Game Commission Wednesday, July 29 at 9 a.m. in the council chambers of the Long Beach City Hall, 333 W. Ocean Blvd. The meeting-one of three to be conducted by the commission throughout the state in the next three weeks-is designed to gather public input for Gov. Jerry Brown to consider in his review of many of the state's commercial fishing regulations. While the subject matter will cover only commercial fisheries. conser- vationists. individual sportsmen and organizations they represent are being asked to speak out at the meeting. since most of the state's fisheries are shared by recreation and commercial sectors. Of paramount interest the welfare of the anchovy and the spector of a Russian factory ship which seeks to take them and three other important fishes. The PFMC. earlier this month. approved an application for a joint venture operation that would permit a Russian factory ship beginning as early as Aug. 1 to take 10,000 tons of anchovies, 15,000 tons of jack mackerel, 2,500 tons of squid and up to 2,700 tons of Pacific mackerel. THE RUSSIANS WOULD purchase these fish from San Pedro commercial fishermen and process them at sea under terms of a contract negotiated by the Soviet government and the Marine Resorces Corp. of Seattle, Wash. Sportsmen. most segments of the commercial fishing industry and conservationists oppose the measure and have asked public support in this regard. They ask everyone to protest through their respective con- gress person or senator urging President Reagan to intercede. The Secret- ary of Commerce has until Aug. 1 to deny or aprove the controversial joint venture application. Failing in that regard, the only venue left to block the Russians from moving in on these fisheries would be the courts. All four species the Russians seek are basic in the marine food chain, so vital to all of the state's larger game and commercial species. "In the case of the council (PFMC) and this joint venture thing. we want to make sure the Secretary (of Commerce) has the authority to give away our fisheries for which no management plan exists.' said William Nott, president of the Sportfishing Association of California. If we find that he is acting the last bit outside regulations, we are going to take legal action against all involved agencies.' 4 Thursday, July 16, 1981/B PERMIT: Russian Factory Ship Seems Assured Continued from First Page Nizetich said the processors are caught by a "chicken July 29, at Long Beach City Hall. or the egg" situation. There are no such local hurdles for the Russian ship "If they (regulatory agencies) can determine a consis- permit to clear, however, and it is expected to be au- tently large quota from year to year as indicated by the thorized by the U.S. Department of Commerce by Aug. biomass. we would increase our capacity," he said. 1. "But Fish and Game says increase your capacity first, Despite the objections of San Pedro fish processors, and we won't increase it until we can be sure we will get conservationists, the sportfishing industry and sundry the fish." commercial marketing and fishing groups from Interruptions Hamper Processors throughout the state-organizations which are most of- ten in disagreement on fishery issues-the fishery According to Nizetich, processors have a capacity of council recommended that a permit for the Russian ship 1,500 tons of anchovies a day, but are handicapped by interruptions caused by the broken season, restrictions be granted. Tha recommendation has gone to the U.S. secretary against fishing on weekends or during the full moon, of commerce to be formalized, but it would be unusual if and fishermen sometimes fishing other species SO that the council's recommendation is not rubber stamped. the reduction plants cannot rely on a steady supply of fish. Opponents Move in Washington William A. Nott, president of the Sportfishing Associ- Representatives of the various opposing factions said ation of California, said it. is ironic that the U.S. is they are contacting President Reagan, the California delegation to the House and Senate, and Secretary of willing to deal with a political adversary (Russia) who Commerce Malcolm Baldredge urging that the permit comes to our doorstep to pillage the forage fish which are basic building blocks in the marine food chain." not be issued. The only groups to speak in favor of the Russian The sportfishing group, along with other sportsmen's processing vessel at the meeting in Boise were the Fish- and conservation organizations, has long opposed use of erman's Cooperative Assn. in San Pedro, whose 20 to 25 the anchovy for fish meal, claiming that the tiny silvery boats will provide the fish, and the Fishermen's Union. fish is vital as forage to feed other larger species target- John Royal, president of the union whose members ed by sport anglers and commercial fishermen. will man the boats, is a member of the fishery council Nott called the Soviet permit request, "the head of the Russian bear.' and voted in favor of the recommendation. He said that The recommendation provides that under a joint ven- once it gets its head in our tent, the ture with Marine Resource Co. of Seattle the Russian demands will grow, and we are establishing an obscene factory ship may take 10,000 tons of anchovies, 15,000 anchovy quota that only invites further intrusion by tons of jack mackerel and 2,500 tons of squid. The squid Russia and other nations with an eye on our fishery. allocation was cut from 5,000 tons requested. "We know from experience that we cannot catch and A request for 5,000 tons of Pacific mackerel was de- the canners cannot process anywhere near the 408,000- nied, but up to 18% of that species will be allowed in- ton reduction quota that has been recommended. cidental to the the jack mackerel catch. "And if we have a quota that cannot be filled by our It has not been determined how that incidental catch boats and processed by our canners, what would be limitation will be enforced. State game wardens sample more logical than the Russians asking for a bigger slice each load of mackerel brought in to California ports of the pie, especially if they already have a factory ship where the same maximum percentage is allowed, but it anchored right offshore." would be costly to station a warden aboard the Russian vessel full-time to monitor the mackerel taken aboard. Permit for Russian It May Anchor Off Catalina All of the fish will be caught by U.S. purse seiners and delivered to the 16,000-ton Russian vessel, where they will be processed for eventual marketing in other coun- Ship Seems Assured tries. It is expected that the factory ship will anchor just outside the 3-mile limit, probably in the lee of Catalina START HERE By JERRY RUHLOW, Times Staff Writer Island. The squid-which are usually caught within 3 miles SAN PEDRO-Unless unusually strong political of the coast-will be brought ashore before being trans- pressure is exerted in the nation's capital, there will be a ported to the Soviet vessel so that state tax law will ap- Russian factory ship processing mackerel, anchovies ply. Fish caught outside the territorial waters are not and squid 3 nailes off the Southern California coast with- subject to the same state taxes. in the next few months. Anthony Nizetich, representing Star Kist Co., one of There already are a number of joint ventures involv- the two fish processors on Terminal Island, said he be- ing U.S. companies and foreign factory ships operating lieves there is a question whether the permits can be in the Pacific Northwest, but they are catching hake issued for squid and mackerel because a fishery man- and other fish not commonly exploited in this country. agement plan has not been prepared for those species. This would be the first foreign operation in Southern "I am writing to the National Marine Fishery Service California, and the first permitted to process species in to reiterate our opposition (to the permit for the Russian competition with U.S. processors and distributors. factory ship), and I hope they will authorize the studies A recommendation that the Russian ship permit be on those species and implement regulations through a authorized was adopted last week by the Pacific Fishery proper management plan," Nizetich said. Management Council at a meeting in Boise, Ida. (National Marine Fishery Service biologists made the At the same meeting, the council recommended a rec- studies upon which the Pacific Fishery Management ord commercial anchovy quota of 420,700 tons. About Council based its recommendations.) 12,600 tons would be allowed for bait, canning and the "Under our existing regulations, we cannot give away fresh market, with the remainder ground into meal for an allocated amount (of a given species) unless an opti- poultry food by processors on Terminal Island and in mum yield has been established, and we only have those Port Hueneme. figures for the anchovy," Nizetich said. State Commission Must Act Puts Blame on Processors For that quoita to become effective, the state Fish and Royal, speaking for the Fishermen's Union, said he Game Commission must grant the reduction permits. It has traditionally opposed joint-venture projects involv- is expected that the commission will issue permits for a ing other nations but local processors have proven un- much smaller figure, as it did last year when the fishery willing to take all of the fish U.S. boats can catch. council authorized a 188,000-ton quota. The commission He claims the fishermen are limited by fish proces- issued permits for 80,000 tons, but the commercial fleet sors in the amo unt of fish they can catch, charging that was able to catch only 67,000 tons in the September-to- the companies have refused to invest in new equipment June season. or hire enough workers to handle what the boats would The matter will be considered by the Fish and Game be able to bring in. Commission at a public meeting at 9 a.m. Wednesday, "Maybe this will get their attention and make them Please see PERMIT, Page 1 wake up to the fact that they have got to invest in some new processing equipment and be willing to pay some overtime and work additional shifts in order to handle what is available," Royal said. SECTION B/PRESS-TELEGRAM/MONDAY, JULY 27, 1981 Soviet-fishing battle may surface before council Molly Burrell Pacific Fishery Management vert catches from the U.S. market Commercial fishermen favor measures to stop the plan from Staff Writer Council and now before the Secre- because fishermen could get more the joint venture because it could going into effect if it should be A controversial plan to allow a tary of Commerce. It involves a money per catch than at a local mean more sales at better profits approved. Soviet fish processing ship to op- six-month permit to allow a processing plant. They also are and be a means for the hard- Long Beach attorney Clarence erate off the Southern California "mother ship" to process an esti- concerned that two of the four pressed fishing fleet to survive. Hunt, representing the National coast is expected to take center mated 30,000 tons of blue and species involved are without a Bill Nott, spokesman for the Coalition for Marine Conserva- stage at a public meeting sched- jack mackerel, squid and anchovy management plan to ensure their Long Beach-based Sportfishing tion, on Friday said, "We are re- uled for 9 a.m. Wednesday in the for foreign markets. survival. Association of California, urged searching the situation with re Long Beach City Council cham- Already the subject of heated All species are basic in the ma- fishermen of all types to attend gard to enjoining the venture ber. discussion at a joint meeting of rine food chain, but only the an- the meeting Wednesday, saying under provisions of the fisheries Although not part of the offi- the commission and the fishery chovy and blue mackerel are "the very future of California's management act." cial agenda of the state Fish and management council July 6, the under a federal regulatory plan. sport and commercial fisheries A decision on the request by Game Commission, the topic is proposal has drawn fire from And, according to provision of the lies in the outcome of the joint the Seattle-based Marine Re- bound to come up, commission sportfishermen, environmentalists 1976 federal fisheries act, state venture opening state waters to DE sources Co. to operate a 16,160- spokesmen say. and local processors. regulations prevail where no man- the Russians.' li ton leased ship called Rybak Pri- At issue is the Russian joint They argue that such addition- agement plan has been formulat- He also said attorneys for his morjia is reportedly due Satur- venture approved by the advisory al processing capacity would di- ed by the federal council. association are investigating day.