CalOceans News
Showing all articles published in August 2009.
Marine protected areas will "re-seed" south coast waters
August 31st, 2009Laguna resident Cindy Love comes from a fishing family. But she's seen some troubling changes to local fisheries in the decade since she dropped her first lobster net off San Clemente pier. In recent years, her nets have been coming home empty, and she's not the only one. The 2007-08 lobster catch was down by 25% from the previous season.
In order to turn things around, and restore the health and abundance to south coast waters, Cindy supports the creation of a strong network of marine reserves.
Coastal recreation is big business in southern California
August 27th, 2009A new peer-reviewed study by economists Linwood Pendleton and Chris LaFranchi found that 93% of coastal recreation in southern California is non-consumptive. Swimming, diving, wildlife watching, surfing, and other no-take activities generate $115 million each year, driving more than 80% of ocean-related revenues, while fishing account for just 2%. The balance of spending comes from visitors who enjoy a mix of consumptive and non-consumptive activities.
The Pendleton and LaFranchi study was commissioned by the Santa Monica Bay Restoration Foundation to help inform efforts to protect southern California’s ocean. It found that non-consumptive ocean visitors spent 40 times more during their visits than sport and commercial fishermen.
This study confirms the findings from a June report by the National Ocean Economics Program, which showed that 75% of California's ocean-related jobs come from tourism and recreation. Protecting the natural resources that attract millions of visitors to the south coast each year is not just a moral obligation for local communities; it’s an economic imperative.
New film on the need to protect southern California's ocean
August 26th, 2009The Baum Foundation has just released a great new film on the south coast Marine Life Protection Act process. Narrated by lifelong diver and Venice resident Lauren Hutton, "A Sheltered Sea: The Southern Passage" highlights the best of Southern California's coast and ocean. It features interviews with local surfers (including Rob Machado), conservationists, anglers, and scientists, who explain what makes the region so special, and why it is critical to protect the area's marine life.
Protecting Santa Barbara's Naples Reef
August 24th, 2009The Gaviota Coast is known for its beauty and biodiversity, and its coastal waters are no exception. Naples Reef, about 13 miles up the coast from Santa Barbara, is the area's crown jewel. Naples is famous among divers for its kelp forests and rocky reefs teeming with lobster, nudibrachs, chestnut cowries, rose anemones, sheephead and rockfish.
Local residents have been working for years to protect the landscapes of the Gaviota Coast, and are now turning their attention to the areas underwater. UC Santa Barbara's Michael Vincent McGinnis explains why it is critical to preserve the natural resources at Naples Reef with a marine protected area.
South coast stakeholders finalize ocean protection plans
August 23rd, 2009This month, the divers, anglers, conservationists, and business owners on the south coast regional stakeholder group are putting the finishing touches on ocean protection plans for Southern California. On September 9 and 10, they will meet in Los Angeles to hear public comments and finalize draft proposals for a network of marine protected areas that will stretch from Santa Barbara to the border with Mexico.
Stakeholders have been divided into three groups, representing fishing interests, conservationists, and a middle ground group representing a cross-section of the southern California community. The middle ground group has been asked to find common ground among different ocean users, and develop a compromise solution everyone can live with.
Each group will propose a network of marine protected areas designed to preserve sea life and habitats while leaving the vast majority of coastal waters open for fishing. The new protected areas are like underwater parks--they allow plants and animals to thrive while providing great recreation and study opportunities for people.
To get involved, become a fan of the ocean on Facebook (www.facebook.com/calocean), or send an email to MLPAComments@resources.ca.gov supporting protection for your favorite dive or surf spot.
Cooperative enforcement ensures success of marine protected areas
August 9th, 2009The Los Angeles Times reported today that poachers caught fishing in the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary were fined $10,000. The violators were caught by National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), with help from the California Department of Fish and Game and U.S. Coast Guard.
"This case is a primary example of what can be achieved through cooperative law enforcement efforts to protect our nation's natural marine resources," said Don Masters, special agent in charge of NOAA’s Office of Law Enforcement, southwest division.
New ocean sanctuaries are good for fish and people
August 8th, 2009The Sacramento Bee editorialized about California's new ocean health plan over the weekend. The editorial applauded the State Fish and Game Commission for their leadership in passing this visionary marine protected areas plan, and noted "these new sanctuaries will serve generations of Californians."
The Bee went on the explain, "these near-shore sanctuaries will help rebuild delicate reefs and kelp forests," and "recovery will help all fishermen and people who like to observe without "taking" marine life – such as scuba divers, kayakers and schoolchildren examining tide pools."
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