Assembly Speaker John Perez is the latest target of the nasty misinformation campaign waged by opponents of the Marine Life Protection Act (MLPA), the state’s popular measure to protect key parts of fragile ocean habitat along its coast.  

In a blog post and email rant last night to members of the California Democratic Party’s Progressive Caucus, a leading foe of ocean protection, in full Tea-Party mode, called upon Speaker Perez to resign.

Resign?  Really?

Over a state law passed more than a decade ago, that has recently been reaffirmed by a unanimous vote of the California Democratic Party’s Environmental Caucus?

As a former Assemblymember, political attacks aren’t unusual. But when they are this outrageous, they need to be answered.  

Let’s step back and take a look at the facts.

Since it was signed Gov. Gray Davis in 1999, the Marine Life Protection Act  has sparked one of the most transparent, collaborative, open and inclusive processes in the state history.

Literally hundreds of meetings involving stakeholders have been held up and down the California coast. Commercial and recreational fishermen, divers, surfers, small-business owners and some of California’s most prominent scientists are participating. The Department of Fish & Game reports a record-shattering number of public comments. Every decision is made in public and citizens have the opportunity to weigh in every step of the way.

While both sides are passionate about their positions, some desperate MLPA opponents are resorting to personal character attacks, are misrepresenting data, and have made wild and unsubstantiated accusations that proponents of marine parks have a hidden agenda ranging from collusion with the oil companies to supporting the genocide of tribes.

Pushing the misinformation effort has been Dan Bacher.  Who is this guy? He calls himself “Dangerous Dan” in fishing circles, and is editor of The Fish Sniffer, a publication gets the majority of revenue from charter fishing operators, boat companies, and gear manufacturers.

Many of Bacher’s advertisers participated in the many stakeholder meetings that the Commission and its Task Forces have held. But their “our way or the highway” arguments were replaced by plans based on science and consensus among the stakeholder groups.  But like a petulant child, having not gotten their way in the public process, Bacher and his advertisers are now calling for the suspension of the MLPA process entirely.

Bacher is part of a well-funded misinformation campaign. In recent months, Bacher has assailed outstanding environmental leaders from both political parties, Sen.Diane Feinstein, Gov. Schwarzenegger, new Resources Secretary Lester Snow, and even the League of Conservation Voters itself.

Which makes you wonder: is Mr. Bacher’s “journalism” on the MLPA  influenced by his advertisers? Or by the foreign fishing gear manufacturers that are contributing millions of dollars to defeat state and international attempts to protect ocean health?

Contrary to the claims of Mr. Bacher, marine reserves work.  The science is clear: In other states and nations around the world, protecting ocean habitat is proving to be a boost to local tourism and giving fisheries the chance to recover.

Here in the Golden State, California’s Channel Islands, where MPAs have been established for more than five years, show sharp increases in fish stocks. Nor has recreational fishing declined as predicted by opponents; but is in fact on the upswing.

Despite hysterical outcries by industry-backed fishermen who are claiming that the MLPA will destroy their way of life, the MLPA is the only way that our oceans will remain healthy and vibrant for years to come. California’s oceans are worth protecting. California’s unique biodiversity and the striking beauty of our coastline can never be replaced.

The bottom line:  Speaker Perez, don’t write that resignation letter. Keep fighting to protect the California coast for the benefit of all Californians.