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<b>A possible haven for marine life</b>

Sara Sikich, coastal resources director for Heal the Bay, and Matthew King, also from Heal the Bay, show where marine life protected areas are being considered in the waters off Catalina Island. Some fishermen are worried about how they will be affected if the areas are declared marine reserves.

Sara Sikich, coastal resources director for Heal the Bay, and Matthew King, also from Heal the Bay, show where marine life protected areas are being considered in the waters off Catalina Island. Some fishermen are worried about how they will be affected if the areas are declared marine reserves.  (Rick Loomis / Los Angeles Times)

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Those who want to harvest sea life and those who want to keep it safe from harvesting will be trying
to hatch a compromise in coming months over where to locate havens in popular waters.

marine preserves

Afishionado, a charter fishing boat out of Avalon Harbor on Catalina Island, pulls back into harbor after touring waters nearby that could become marine life protected areas. The designations are intended to help keep the ecosystem stable by providing for no-take areas that keep fishing activity restricted to other areas.  (Rick Loomis / Los Angeles Times)

marine preserves

John King is captain of Afishionado, a charter boat out of Avalon Harbor on Catalina Island. He believes squid fishing in the area should be curtailed.  (Rick Loomis / Los Angeles Times)

marine preserves

Several areas around Catalina Island are being considered for marine preserves in the near future. Conservationists and fishermen are discussing how to achieve a conservation area while not adversely affecting recreational and commercial fishing in the area.  (Rick Loomis / Los Angeles Times)

marine preserves

Fishing rods line the stern of Afishinado, a charter boat out of Avalon Harbor on Catalina Island. Discussions between fishermen and conservationists about where to designate marine life protected areas have heated up in recent weeks.  (Rick Loomis / Los Angeles Times)

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