Governor Jerry Brown
c/o State Capitol, Suite 1173 Sacramento, CA 95814
February 2, 2016
RE: DFG Commission Open Positions Dear Governor Brown,
The Coastal Conservation Association of California (CCA CAL) has an objective to conserve, promote and enhance the present and future availability of coastal resources for the benefit and enjoyment of the general public. We strive for conservation and sustainability of recreational fishing. CCA CAL is fighting to keep our waters open and available for coastal recreational fishing, but we are also conservationists and firm supporters of artificial reef programs, youth programs and the hatchery programs like the Hubbs Sea World Research Institute white seabass program. We believe in creating a long term sustainable sport that can be enjoyed and supported by future generations. Many of our members are fishermen and hunters as well as conservationists. We want to make sure our government and commissions, who regulate our resources, are fair and balanced. With the recent departure of some very prominent proponents of fishing and hunting from the DFG Commission, we are very concerned with who you will appoint as replacements. We urge you to appoint a commissioner who understands his or her responsibility to conserve California’s resources, understands the role of anglers in conservation and takes into account the impact of regulations on California’s citizens, its economy and Jobs for working families.
For almost 40 years, Captain Don Hansen has worked tirelessly in helping to ensure recreational fishing has a future. He has considerable experience in fisheries management and all aspects of the industry and will facilitate balanced and well-informed decision making while maintaining sustainable public access to the natural resources of the state.
Established in 1971, Don has built one of the largest tour and sportfishing operations in California, Dana Wharf Sportfishing and Whale Watching. Don and his team are dedicated to helping locals and visitors enjoy the Orange County coastline for either a whale watching cruise or for an awesome fishing trip. Don will soon complete his thirty-year career with the Pacific Fisheries Management Council. He continues to participate in multiple philanthropic activities, including volunteering on hospital boards, with veteran groups, and hosting children’s marine education programs like Dana Wharf Kids Club and Dana Wharf Kids Fishing Camp. He is highly respected throughout the fishing and business community as a result of these continued important efforts.
In an article from the OC Register: When asked about his proudest achievement, Hansen said, “Just to have a stable fishery for my 14 grandchildren. It proves to me that fisheries management works. …If everyone works together, you can make a sustainable fishery.”
Don is an excellent candidate because of his ability to bring people together to solve sometimes contentious issues. He gets along with all of the groups: commercial, environmentalists, recreational fishermen and the government. He is great at working with everyone and understanding their issues and needs while providing solutions. Don Hansen will bring ethics, integrity, and experience to the Commission. He has worked closely with the Department of Fish and Wildlife for decades and continues to maintain a strong and supportive relationship with the staff.
Please appoint Captain Don Hansen to the Fish and Game Commission, in the essential role of Fish and Game Commissioner.
Sincerely,
Wayne Kotow
Executive Director CCA CAL
