BILL NUMBER:  AB 2146
  VETOED	DATE: 09/23/2004




To the Members of the California Assembly:

I am returning Assembly Bill 2146 without my signature.

I share the authors concern for our marine resources and the safety
of our States fishing fleet.  However, I am concerned that the
significant changes this bill mandates in the Dungeness crab fishery
should be considered and addressed through the Fish and Game
Commission following its thorough review and open public hearing
process.

One of the principal tasks of the Fish and Game Commission is the
regulation and management of our States fisheries.  This bill enacts
statutory changes to management of the Dungeness crab fishery that
will complicate the Commissions ability to respond to fishery
dynamics and render the fishery inflexible.  Such an effort to
preference one segment of the fishery over another should not be made
without significant scientific and biological analysis, public
discussion and considerat ion of alternatives.  That is the role of
the Fish and Game Commission.

I encourage the Legislature to vest the Commission with fishery
management responsibility for Dungeness crab and then let the
Commission proceed with the dozens of complex decisions necessary to
effect sustainable fishery management.

Sincerely,

ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER