Sent to me by Rob Tolbeck:

"The first step towards an extensive series of Marine Protected Areas was taken by the Washington State Legislator in March of this year. For now it is being called Marine Spatial Planning which according to SSB 6350 Final Bill Report means," Marine spatial planning is a process through which compatible human uses are objectively and transparantly allocated to appropriate ocean areas to sustain critical ecological, economic, and cultural services for future generations".

While this sounds relatively harmless on the surface, when you think about what this general language could lead to, it becomes a bit scary for the recreational fisherman.

Our first opportunity to weigh in is now. The Department of Ecology is seeking public input through an online survey. Please take a few minutes to fill this out to make sure that policy makers understand how important recreational fishing is in our marine areas."

To view/take the survey, click http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/9W2ZXQY