It is informed that the plan also impose limited fishing from Westward to Lechuza beaches. The restriction would cover a stretch of ocean from Westward Beach to just outside Paradise Cove. Also, the ocean from Westward Beach to Lechuza Beach was proposed for a designation that would allow limited fishing. The Marine Life Protection Act Blue Ribbon Task Force’s decision on Point Dume and the rest of the California coast from Point Conception in Santa Barbara to the Mexican border will go to the California Department of Fish and Game Commission, which will meet Dec. 9 at the LAX Radisson Hotel, for final approval.
The decision was praised by the environmentalists, although there was some dissatisfaction with the decisions for other areas of the South Coast region. Like Point Dume, Laguna Beach received the Marine Protection Area, or MPA, designation. Commercial and recreational fishing groups denounced the task force for making a decision they said will be financially devastating to those involved in fishing as well as the entire state of California.
Patty A. Doerr, ocean resource policy director for the American Sportfishing Association, said that traditional fishing management in the state of California has been working, and it’s not necessary to put on an extra layer of restrictions when the current system is working. Doerr and commercial fishing advocates predict economic disaster for those whose lives depend on the fishing industry. Also, they say, the state will be harmed with less money coming in from fishermen. And customers will be faced with higher prices on seafood.
Councilmember Pamela Conley Ulich said in an interview this week that if the Fish and Game Commission approves the proposal, it would lead to the repopulation of fish in the Point Dume area. Last week’s hearing at the Sheraton Gateway Hotel lasted several hours and featured dozens of speakers on both sides of the issue. Many people wore T-shirts stating their viewpoints and held signs throughout the hearing.
