MLPA is a new marine reserve is proposed off the coast of Del Mar as part of a statewide effort to improve marine ecosystem conservation. It is informed that the proposal would prohibit commercial and recreational fishing from the San Dieguito river mouth to the Penasquitos river mouth, from the beach to the state water line about 3.5 miles out to sea – a total of about 10.8 square miles.
The authority has targeted Del Mar for this project for its rocky habitat in very deep water, which provides shelter for the rockhut fish, and because it is not as popular a fishing spot for commercial fishermen. Dave Rudie, owner of Catalina Offshore Products, told that they are trying to get a balance between protecting habitat and at the same time minimizing the economic impact on the fishermen.
Rudie is also a member of the MLPA stakeholder group that is developing the proposals for marine protected areas in Southern California. The stakeholder group has 64 members representing conservationists, commercial fishing, recreational angling and diving, ports, harbors, the government and various business entities.
Mark Rathsam, the Del Mar lifeguard deputy chief, said that in order to protect biodiversity and naturally abundant marine ecosystems, they’re picking one of the worst spots for that. Kate Hanley, director of marine conservation for San Diego Coastkeeper, agrees. That’s why she, as a member of the MLPA stakeholder group, recommended not putting a reserve at Del Mar, but rather targeting the rocky reefs and kelp forests off Encinitas and La Jolla.
Adam Birnbaum, Del Mar planning manager, told that the proposed Del Mar reserve is also raising concerns about the ability to dredge the high quality sand there for regional beach nourishment projects.
