Salinas Valley Pride Parade

WASHINGTON, D.C. – David Crabbe, a longtime fisherman from Carmel, has been appointed to the Pacific Fishery Management Council.
The Pacific Council is one of eight regional bodies that manage offshore fisheries. The Pacific Council is responsible for fisheries off the coasts of California, Oregon and Washington.
“David is a perfect fit for this position, with the heart of a fisherman and the brain of a scientist,” said Congressman Sam Farr (D-Carmel), who wrote a letter supporting Crabbe’s appointment.
In his letter, Rep. Farr wrote: “David continues to be an important leader on the conservation issues facing today's fisheries, especially the urgent need for achieving sustainability so that our nation's fishing heritage and coastal economic vitality can be perpetuated.”
The councils, established by the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, create comprehensive plans for marine fish stocks in their regions. Among their goals is to fulfill the act’s charge to end overfishing of 41 stocks by 2010. NOAA’s Fisheries Service works closely with the councils during plan development and also reviews, approves and implements the management plans developed by the councils.
“We welcome the new and returning appointees to these important councils. They play a critical role in ensuring sustainable marine fisheries, which are in turn vitally important to coastal communities and coastal economies,” said NOAA Administrator Jane Lubchenco. “This is an exciting and challenging time for fishery management, and the councils’ efforts ensure that the public is well represented in this process. These are the experts -- fishermen and scientists, leaders in their regions -- who will help us achieve sustainable fisheries and maintain vibrant fishing communities.”
Council members represent a variety of interests, from commercial and recreational fisheries to environmental concerns to academia. A total of 72 members are appointed by the Secretary of Commerce. Crabbe was part of a group of 30 who were named or reappointed for the next term, which begins August 11.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Elkhorn Slough Foundation has been awarded a $3,940,734 grant from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The coastal restoration funds were included in the Recovery Act, which was signed into law in February.
“Funds from the Recovery Act continue to flow into communities throughout the nation, injecting needed capital into economies and creating jobs for local residents,” said Congressman Sam Farr (D-Carmel). “As with all the other projects that we’ve seen locally, this project will save local jobs and pump more money into our ailing economy.”
The Elkhorn Slough grant will provide long-term protection and erosion control for seven acres of tidal wetlands and protect critical coastal infrastructure. The selection of projects was a highly competitive process and evaluated a variety of biological and economic criteria.
California will see nine NOAA projects funded for a total of more than $31 million. These projects are expected to create 190 jobs statewide. Nationwide, 50 coastal restoration grants were awarded for a total of $167 million
"These Recovery Act projects will put Americans to work while restoring our coasts and combating climate change,” said Commerce Secretary Gary Locke. “They reflect our investment in sound science and commitment to help strengthen local economies.”
NOAA Administrator Jane Lubchenco added: “NOAA is investing in green jobs for Americans to restore habitat for valuable fish and wildlife and strengthen coastal communities, making them more resilient to storms, sea-level rise and other effects of climate change. In addition to the immediate jobs created by the projects, stronger and healthier coastal communities will boost our nation’s long-term economic health.”

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Sam Farr (D-Carmel) voted Friday afternoon to pass the House Interior Appropriations bill, which will fund the U.S. Department of the Interior for fiscal year 2010. The House version of the bill includes two local projects.

“Both of these projects are important for the region,” Rep. Farr said. “Los Padres National Forest is important for both our local tourism industry and for the protection of key watersheds. And the project to limit flood damage on the Lower Carmel River and Lagoon is an vital to keep our homes and businesses safe.”

Local projects included in the bill:

o $1 million is included in the legislation for high priority purchases of private land within the boundaries of the Los Padres National Forest. This land provides recreation opportunities, supports critical habitat for listed species and protects sensitive watersheds.
o $500,000 is included for floodplain restoration and enhancement of the Lower Carmel River and Lagoon. These funds will be directed to reducing flood damage by significantly limiting risk from future floods.

The bill, which passed Friday afternoon by a vote of 254-173, awaits Senate consideration. Once the Senate acts, the two versions will be reconciled, then sent to the president for signature. This is the third of 12 appropriations bills that will be considered by Congress to fund the federal government.