Jet Skis on the Agenda Thursday in Santa Cruz

Ever since two Santa Cruz fine that enforcement agents for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Adminstration said could be raised to $120,000 if they fought it, Personal Water Craft have been a big issue locally.

Surfers say they need the small crafts to save lives. NOAA has regulated them to certain areas, some of which don't lead to the waves the surfers are seeking. NOAA claims the jet skis could harm wildlife, but has no documentation to back it up.

The agency allows boats with the same engines free access anywhere, but the surfers say the smaller craft are more effective in big wave rescues.

At its meeting last week, AMBAG – the Association of Monterey Bay Governments – voted to ask the Sanctuary Advisory Committee to reconsider the use of Personal Water Craft for public safety. AMBAG instructed its board president to send a letter to the Advisory Committee's chairman, Paul Michel.

So far enforcement has been erratic and frightening, as the agency can raise fines to six figures just for trying to fight them.

NOAA enforcers on the set of the " just days after one of them helped save star

Local surfer agents at the scene.

The issue has been heated, to say the least. And, after much lobbying, it will be on the agenda at 11 a.m. for the meeting of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council Thursday at the at 301 Center St.

Also on the agenda at 4 p.m. is a proposal to change the borders of the Marine Sanctuary.