Fort Bragg Fishermen Form Committee on Wave Energy

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 13, 2008

FORT BRAGG FISHERMEN FORM COMMITTEE ON WAVE ENERGY

"Fishermen Interested in Safe Hydrokinetics" (the FISH Committee)

More info: Jim Martin (707) 357-2422


A broad array of commercial and recreational fishing associations in Noyo Harbor announced today that it would be joining with major stakeholders to monitor and comment on wave energy proceedings off the Mendocino coast. The ad hoc committee, known as Fishermen Interested in Safe Hydrokinetics, or the "FISH Committee," has filed a motion to intervene with Pacific Gas & Electric's pilot project application for a 40 megawatt wave energy facility located in a 68 square mile area directly in front of Noyo Harbor on the Mendocino Coast.

The FISH Committee, a coalition of various organizations who have a major stake in marine resources off the Mendocino coast, has decided to join for the express purpose of gaining the position of a major stakeholder with the permitting and licensing process conducted by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. The FISH committee will represent the fishing industry as relates to any research, siting of equipment, testing, or energy production, off the Mendocino Coast.

On the same day they filed a Motion to Intervene in PG&E's proposed wave energy project off Fort Bragg, fishing representatives testified at the February 11th meeting of the Fort Bragg city council about their intention to work with city staff and Mendocino County, as well as PG&E and other companies who have applied for projects on the north coast. By intervening in PG&E's application, the FISH Committee established its status as a stakeholder group and improved its legal standing in the wave energy process.

The committee is composed of representatives of the Salmon Trollers Marketing Association, Recreational Fishing Alliance, North Coast Fishing Association, California Sea Urchin Harvesters Commission, Caito's Fisheries, nutritional kelp harvesters, Sonoma County Abalone Network and the Fishermen’s Marketing Association. Additional organizations and fishing-related businesses may be invited to join in this oversight committee at a later time.

Additional information contact:

Jim Martin, Fish Committee acting coordinator– (707) 357-3422
John Innes – (707) 937-1333