California Coast Gets Help From Marine Protection Act

Karina Rusk
Associated Press
09/14/2007

Big changes go into effect one week from today to preserve California's coastline and ocean waters. The Marine Protection Act includes all sorts of restrictions hammered out after years of negotiations between the government, recreation interests and environmentalists.

California has 1,100 miles of coastline. Starting September 21, the portion known as the Central Coast will have unprecedented protection.

"What we are doing in the oceans now, creating underwater parks is comparable to landmark achievement 100 years ago when Teddy Roosevelt and John Muir created Yosemite and Yellowstone," said Warner Chabot with Ocean Conservancy.

The state's Marine Life Protection Act affects an area from Pigeon Point in the north to Point Conception in the south. There are 29 new designated areas which limit or eliminate recreational and commercial fishing. Places such Año Nuevo, Natural Bridges and Carmel Bay.

It took about seven years of scientific research, public hearings and compromise before the State Fish and Game Commission voted in April to approve the network of protected areas.

A number of fishing interests initially clashed with conservationists. They argued the restrictions threatened their livelihood, but are now ready to live with the final agreement.

Todd Arcoleo is a fourth generation fisherman.

"We know what we have to do and it's kind of tough, kind of sad that we can't fish at the ledge or we can't fish at a certain area of Point Sur or can't fish in these premier areas of Carmel Bay," said Todd Arcoleo with Chris' Fishing Trips.

Scientists say over-fishing is one reason why the ocean's fragile ecosystem needs extra protection now. They say the new marine protection areas will result in long-term benefits for everyone.

"Yes it protects what's in the ocean, but it also protects the local people's ability to use the oceans in the long run. It will ultimately result in better fishing opportunities. It will result in more animals for recreationalists, scuba divers to see," explained George Leonard, Ph.D. with the Monterey Bay Aquarium.

Work is already underway to map out protected areas for Northern California. The goal is to have the state's entire coastline be a model for marine protection and scientific research by 2011.