Tag Archives: Santa Barbara Channel

California’s Marine Protected Area (MPA) focus of Wednesday’s Collaborative Meeting

A controversial and confusing proposal is circulating throughout Santa Barbara’s fishing industry and, environmental circles. It centers on plans to expand Marine Protected Areas (MPA) in the Santa Barbara Channel and more specifically, three of the islands. Last year, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) publicly released the first 10-year comprehensive review of the MPA Network, and how to prioritize management of the area. It included 28 adaptive management recommendations and potential changes spanning 2023 to 2033. “Our fishing industries are already really sustainable, and they’re managed very carefully,” said Kim Selkoe, Executive Director of Commercial Fishermen of Santa Barbara. Video, more, links, >>CLICK TO READ<< 10:59

Expansion of California’s Marine Protected Area in Santa Barbara Channel under consideration

A proposal to expand ‘no fishing’ zones in the Santa Barbara Channel is creating a slow wake of controversy. Word is getting out across the Santa Barbara Harbor. A growing number of people say expanding a fishing ban in the Santa Barbara Channel would have major, negative impacts on both commercial and sport-fishing Industries. “There’s a bunch of different environmental groups that are pushing for expansion of our current marine protected areas,” said Ava Schulenberg, Assistant Director for the Commercial Fishermen of Santa Barbara. “This would mean that there are no fish zones for sport and commercial fishermen. Unfortunately, that would lead to a higher dependency on foreign fish, which is not something we ever want to promote.” more, >>CLICK TO READ<< 11:28