According to the information these MPAs will protect all marine life in a portion of the ocean off Point Dume in Malibu and limited in another portion. The MPAs of Southern California prohibit or limit fishing in specific sections of the ocean from Santa Barbara’s Point Conception to the U.S./Mexico border in an effort to protect marine species. Recreational and commercial fishing groups have criticized the rules.
The Department of Fish and Game announced that taking all living resources is prohibited from El Matador State Beach to the tip of Point Dume. Some areas have been declared less-restrictive under State Marine Conservation Area. In this area, all fishing is banned except for the recreational taking of pelagic finfish, including Pacific bonito and White Sea bass by spearfishing.
Sarah Sikich, Heal the Bay’s coastal resources director, said that the establishment of MPAs in Southern California’s waters will help safeguard our marine life and coastal heritage for future generations. She added that this will benefit from larger and more plentiful fish in near future. Bob Brown of the Southern California Marine Association, told that there is a need of such MPAs to create a long-term sustainable fishing environment in California.
