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‘Stakeholders’ group to discuss possible no-fish zones off OC
January 28th, 2009, 7:11 pm · 5 Comments · posted by Pat Brennan, science, environment editor
A working group including fishermen, environmental activists and government regulators will meet in Los Angeles today to discuss possible marine-protected areas off the Southern California coast, including Orange County’s.
The controversial effort, part of a state initiative that has already resulted in such zones off central California, is meant to answer concerns about dwindling fisheries and loss of habitat. The “South Coast Regional Stakeholder Group” will meet at the Embassy Suites Hotel North at 9:30 a.m.
Those involved say the months-long effort is likely to result in some type of protected area off Orange County, although no definite boundaries or areas have yet been identified. (File photo courtesy, Dana Wharf Sportfishing.)
“In the afternoon we will be divided into three work groups to start drafting proposals,” said Susan Ashcraft, a senior marine biologist at the state Department of Fish and Game who is coordinating the agency’s planning efforts. Initial drafts of potential areas could come in March, she said.
The zones could involve fishing limits or even outright bans to protect biologically diverse marine habitat.
Sportfishing enthusiasts, as well as business owners along the coast who cater to them, are concerned about the possible effect on their passion and livelihood.
Mike Hansen, president of Dana Wharf Sportfishing, says he is betting on a no-fishing zone somewhere off Laguna Beach.
“Economically, closing an area in Laguna is going to hurt everybody,” Hansen said. “It’s going to hurt Newport, it’s going to hurt Dana Point, and it’s severely going to hurt the lobster guys. But to be honest with you, I don’t know where else to put it.”
Norris Tapp, an advocate of commercial and recreational fishing who sits on the stakeholder panel, also said he believes the ocean off Laguna Beach or nearby is a likely location.
“Something between Newport and Dana Point is more than likely going to be established as a reserve,” Tapp said. “We’ve resigned ourselves to this fact.”
The session is open to the public, but while there might be a chance to ask questions, there will be no formal public comment period, Ashcraft said. More public meetings are planned.
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Dude:whats up with the dwindling fisheries and loss of habitat comment?There is no dwindling of the fishery,it is all sustainable!Loss of habitat has zero to do with fishing,but everything to do with rampant coastal development,lack of sewage treatment facilities and(WAIT FOR IT)state marine reserves.IE Heislers park in Laguna which is devoid of life,you may want to dive the area and see for yourself.
Off course pick on the sportfisherman. I remember spearfishing in newport harbor, and eating clams out of the harbor, but the pollution has ruined that opportunity. Haven’t seen them fix that. Also, I remember commercial fisherman sneaking in and wrapping all the salmon off Newport. We haven’t had any salmon since. You aren’t even allowed to fish from the gang plank under the newport pier anymore, and the pier has a curfew. Our fishing was destroyed by long lining, gill netting, etc. Now that it has been destroyed we should pick on the sportfisherman. It is easier than the government enforcement of commercial guys, not picking on the local guys. We have commercial fisherman from all over the world stealing fish from US waters. I do appreciate they did catch a guy out at tanner or cortez bank, those are good places to protect from heavy commercial fishing. Poor Norris Tapp who ran Davey’s Locker for years is resolved to them putting these protection zones, which tells me these are mandated by do gooders and bureaucrates that haven’t been interested until recently in doing something about this. I started out working at Art’s landing and Davey’s Locker, ran a fisherman’s supply center, built reels for Carl Newell, etc. This protection is nonsense now that our fishing has been destroyed by big business it is time to pick on the next generation of young sportfisherman to feel better. If the government wants to help they could donate more raising to raising white sea bass, or busting people for keeping under sized fish I can show them a lot of places to go do that!
The situation would be like Orange County’s control of CCWs, only the criminals will have firearms, as only the poachers and non US citizens will fish in “protected” waters, so what is the use of having “protected waters” unless there is enforcement?
Protected waters should extend 200 miles from the coast and marine patrols established to detect and apprehend violators.
Agree with X-DEM. Sportfishing landings are struggling with low turn out of fisherman due to the economy, and high gas prices. Why not throw in some nanny government restrictions to make it harder in a poor economy. The government needs to protect our waters the 200 miles, not restrict us. Ditto on the CCW for orange county for my 342PD.
People who fish and people want to carry concealed weapons have some things in common. First, they feel like they have to kill something to feel good about themselves, and second, they’re generally paranoid and the think the government is out to get them. Someone who fishes AND carries a concealed weapon………….