No-fishing zones for Southern California’s coast are nothing but draconian conservative measure. California’s anglers and boaters aren’t sure which was more egregious: the state blue-ribbon task force’s draconian decision to stifle California’s offshore recreational fishing in the guise of protecting the ocean environment. It is reported that catches of some species have declined by as much as 95%, fish populations off the Southern California coast have fallen by similar levels over the last few decades.
The report also states that some species would be in jeopardy of extinction if new marine protected areas were not created under the Marine Life Protection Act. Recreational fishing and boating advocates have repeatedly rebuked that assertion and have the data to support that position. The article further states that California’s fish populations are presently flourishing thanks largely to sound fisheries management policies put into place several decades ago.
Even California Department of Fish and Game biologists have stated that coastal fish populations are in good-to-excellent condition. The task force had developed Proposal 2, which would strengthen conservation efforts and minimize the economic impact of lost fishing opportunities. It was drafted by a wide range of interests, including harbor masters, officials from several cities, commercial and recreational fishermen, boaters and the U.S. Department of Defense. Proposal 2 represents the true compromise between ocean protection and sustaining coastal economies.
