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Why doesn’t Supervisor Compton support a marine sanctuary?

February 5, 2017

Brad Snook 6Opinion by Brad Snook, co-chair of Surfrider Foundation San Luis Obispo

Supervisor Lynn Compton, a SLO County Supervisor, is wrong to deny SLO County the federal funding of cultural education, marine research, and a new local stakeholder effort that a Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary could bring. It’s Federal funding!

Why wouldn’t a coastal supervisor, like Lynn Compton, support the Sanctuary, too? Supervisor Compton says she is concerned about “local control”.

Supervisor Compton’s district, which is the coastal section of southern SLO County, is pivotal in decisions on whether SLO County will choose to protect the quality of its air, water, and county land. Is Supervisor Compton speaking for special interests like Phillips 66 and the oil and gas industry whose concern isn’t “local control,” but “controlling the locals?”

As locals, control of our shared resource belongs to all of us. Ours is a common truth, as is the history of this coastline, and it’s alarming to hear Supervisor Compton echo alt-facts when dismissing the opportunities a sanctuary will bring.

Thousands of sanctuary supporters are locals, too. We share a connection to this coast, the central coast’s culture, its history. Surfrider SLO joined many others on a path toward sanctuary designation in recognition of our county’s stewardship of the sea and coast because our civilization places many unnecessary impacts upon the ocean. Stewardship is good, and a sound federal investment in protecting our ocean recreation and other resources from the devastating impacts of offshore oil drilling and seismic testing would benefit us all.Marine sanctuary

Our chapter seeks to promote a thriving marine ecosystem. We recognize that SLO County doesn’t have the jurisdiction to do that on its own, so Supervisor Compton should show her support for this protection by supporting this community’s National Marine Sanctuary designation effort.

Many of the benefits of the proposed Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary are listed on the website, where thousands have gone to learn more about the sanctuary and to pledge their support.

The sanctuary does not regulate fishing. The sanctuary bans seismic testing, which fishers have joined us and others world-wide in opposition. However, the ocean is not only a fishery or a place to dump pollutants. The commercial fishing industry (whether local or global), the fossil fuel industry, or other polluting interests cannot claim “control” of our shared marine resources which all sanctuary stakeholders will strive to protect.

Prior to Tuesday, Feb. 7, we urge you to show your support for the proposed Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary by coming to the SLO County Board of Supervisors meeting on Feb. 7 at 9 a.m. at the SLO Board of Supervisors Chambers: 1055 Monterey Street in San Luis Obispo. If you are unable to make it to the meeting, please send an e-mail to the SLO County Clerk (cr_board_clerk@co.slo.ca.us) referencing Agenda Item 3 (2/7/17 BOS meeting) asking the supervisors to vote “no” on the “Resolution to Oppose the Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary.” It’s that easy!


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In the name of fairness I believe she is waiting until the Army, Navy, Air Force and the Coast Guard all have Sanctuaries. Then the county will fund a large pool with a wave machine for the Surfriders.


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My experience with Surfrider is that they put people second to the fish, with little to no compromise. And free federal dollars are never free. And they’re still our taxes.


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When one thinks about it Ca has more sanctuaries and stuff already. When I visited Europe and other countries the US was just a pin prick on the world map. The balance of our oceans are being ruined by many many countries. It’s time for the Surfriders and such to communicate those from others that pollute. Just sayin.


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“Why doesn’t Supervisor Compton support a marine sanctuary?” Answer: because it’s a bad idea and would only lead to more government control beyond the existing controls which are more than adequate. Answer #2: Because it’s part of a campaign to paint Compton as anti environment and set her up for the next election. So Brad…. your cover’s been blown. Reasonable people see through this kind of crap. Most folks on the central coast appreciate and understand sensible environmental care… but it’s not a religion to them. That would be to deny God… who controls it all. Not you and your ilk with a small “i”.


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I’m not against a sanctuary per se, but I do have two things that make me pause on supporting it.


First, the name. No other sanctuary in the US or abroad is named after a person or people. Ex. Farallon Islands, Monterey Bay, and Channel Islands NMS, Great Barrier Reef, etc.

Literally ALL marine sanctuaries are named after a dominant geological feature.


Were this to be called the Morro Rock NMS, I would be more inclined to support it.


Second, the name Chumash is trademarked. So any T-shirts, sweatshirts and other items, which would be a huge part of any economic benefits from a sanctuary, could be forced to pay a license fee to the trademark holder.


That could also lead to the same kind of nonsense that has been happening in National Parks like Yosemite, with court battles raging over the use of trademarked names.


And as far as marine research monies coming here, there’s nothing to stop that from happening right now, after all, the state has some of this area under its Marine Protected Areas designation, there’s also the California Coastal Monument and several other designations that offer varying levels of protection.


And, National Marine Sanctuary designation does not guarantee there will never be offshore oil exploration here. In fact, none of the official designations guarantees to stop oil exploration, that has always been left to Congress.


That’s my 2¢ worth.


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The existing regulatory bodies are adequate. The proposed Sanctuary Advisory Council is not needed. Simply organize and participate in the existing Regional Fishery Management Councils. Get organized and involved in County Planning decisions that effect the coast. Why create another layer of regulatory hassle?


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The issue of county support for the proposed marine sanctuary will be discussed today (Monday) from 5:05 to 6 p.m. on News/Talk 920 KVEC (96.5 FM). Or listen online at 920kvec.com.


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Why is Brad Snook and his Surfriders going after Supervisor Lynn Compton and her opposition to the Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary? Why not also include Supervisors John Peschong and Debbie Arnold?


Is it because Snook and his progressives are now setting it up for Compton’s 2018 re-election?

I believe so!


Support Compton on Tuesday re her opposition to bringing in another big layer of bureaucratic government with its regulations, taxes etc. Let’s call it what it is…federal government control of the people of San Luis Obispo County.


Support the Board of Supervisors’ resolution opposing the Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary.


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One point everyone seems to be neglecting…. Chumash say “NO”


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