SAN NICOLAS ISLAND : More Missile Testing to Close Off Waters
The fertile waters surrounding the Navy-owned San Nicolas Island will be closed more frequently to fishing boats and other vessels beginning this week because of intensified missile testing operations, Navy officials said.
“During the course of the year, we routinely conduct such tests,” said Lt. Cmdr. Gene Okamoto. San Nicolas Island, 60 miles southwest of Point Mugu, is equipped with extensive radar and other equipment to help the Navy track missiles fired in the expansive Pacific Missile Test Range.
The stepped-up naval operations scheduled through July angered a spokesman for the Ventura County Fishermen’s Assn., who said area fishermen have not been informed by the U.S. Navy of the new restrictions.
“The Navy is supposed to call us and tell us,” said Danny Graham, owner of a sea urchin diving operation. “We thought we had a communication system going, but it’s not working.”
Last October, the Navy announced that it would issue citations to anyone caught in the area while missiles are being tested. The citations could result in up to a year in prison and a $5,000 fine.
Graham said he has heard of no one receiving a fine but several boats have been boarded and warned.
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