Panel Backs More No-Fishing Zones
Expanded no-fishing zones around the Channel Islands may be necessary to protect fish stocks, promote tourism and protect wildlife, a panel studying the matter announced Wednesday.
Appointed one year ago to explore new strategies for managing marine resources, the Marine Reserves Working Group concluded that closing parts of the islands to fishing is an important strategy that could be used off the coast of Ventura and Santa Barbara counties.
Although that conclusion is not binding, it does signal a greater willingness by diverse interests to seriously consider employing so-called no-take zones off the California coast, a method being increasingly used around the world.
The group includes representatives from the California Department of Fish and Game, Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary, National Park Service, sport and commercial fishing interests, environmental and diving interests and the public. It makes recommendations to an advisory panel to the marine sanctuary, although state and federal authorities have the final say over any proposed marine reserves.
The group meets Aug. 22 in Goleta and expects to make a final recommendation by November. For more information, call (805) 966-7107.
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