We, the undersigned California residents, understand and acknowledge that federally-recognized California Indian Tribes, and California Tribal Peoples,
are inherent and necessary to a viable marine ecosystem; that they have utilized marine resources in a sustainable manner since time immemorial; and
that their careful stewardship has contributed to the biological diversity, abundance, and health of marine plant and animal communities. California Tribes
and Tribal Peoples have never relinquished or ceded their aboriginal rights to use marine resources, and have always used these resources for traditional
non-commercial gathering, subsistence, harvesting, ceremonial, and stewardship purposes. The survival of the Tribes%u2019 cultural lifeways depends upon
their ability to continue these uses. These traditional uses are fully consistent with the conservation purposes of the Marine Life Protection Act, which
failed to include consideration of these uses when it was enacted. The MLPA Initiative, the Governor, the Resources Secretary, the Department of Fish
and Game, and the Fish and Game Commission should acknowledge and protect the Tribes%u2019 right to continue their traditional use of marine resources, resources, and
should ensure that the provision for Tribal traditional uses is included within the State regulations that will apply to all Marine Protected Areas.
We, the undersigned California residents, understand and acknowledge that federally-recognized California Indian Tribes, and California Tribal Peoples,
are inherent and necessary to a viable marine ecosystem; that they have utilized marine resources in a sustainable manner since time immemorial; and
that their careful stewardship has contributed to the biological diversity, abundance, and health of marine plant and animal communities. California Tribes
and Tribal Peoples have never relinquished or ceded their aboriginal rights to use marine resources, and have always used these resources for traditional
non-commercial gathering, subsistence, harvesting, ceremonial, and stewardship purposes. The survival of the Tribes%u2019 cultural lifeways depends upon
their ability to continue these uses. These traditional uses are fully consistent with the conservation purposes of the Marine Life Protection Act, which
failed to include consideration of these uses when it was enacted. The MLPA Initiative, the Governor, the Resources Secretary, the Department of Fish
and Game, and the Fish and Game Commission should acknowledge and protect the Tribes right to continue their traditional use of marine resources, and
should ensure that the provision for Tribal traditional uses is included within the State regulations that will apply to all Marine Protected Areas.
