CalOceans News

North coast marine plan heralded in Press Democrat

We’ve written before about the effort to establish the North Coast marine protected area network that ranges from Mendocino County north to the Oregon border.  Yesterday the Press Democrat sized up the importance of this historic achievement. The positive article looks at how consensus was reached by diverse stakeholders.

And it includes comments from Bodega Bay charter boat captain Rick Powers on what it's been like to fish under the already-established North Central Coast Marine Protected Areas. The article states:

Compliance appeared to be ‘excellent’ with the 21 protected areas on the coastal stretch that includes Sonoma County. ”It hasn't hampered our efforts,” Powers said, “and although I can't speak for them, most of the commercial fishermen would probably agree.”

In other news, a Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR) for the region has been completed. A 45-day public comment period on the DEIR will feature hearings in Fort Bragg, Crescent City and Eureka. Check out the link above for more information on how to obtain copies of the report.

• Tags:
• mpa
• marine protected network
• north coast