Panel Curbs Lights for Squid Fishing Boats

Fishing boats can continue to hunt squid off Ventura County’s coast, but they must dim powerful lights suspected of causing nesting problems for rare, seafaring birds under new restrictions imposed Friday by state wildlife authorities.

Confronted with dozens of angry fishermen at its regular monthly meeting, the state Fish and Game Commission acquiesced to their demands and unanimously voted for measures that cut by half the amount of power many boats now use to illuminate lights to lure squid to the surface during nighttime forays. The commission rejected a more stringent remedy, supported by scientists and federal wildlife authorities, to close three islands to fishing for seven months each year.

In an unusual show of solidarity, about 75 squid fishermen from San Diego to Monterey attended the all-day meeting to press their case.

“It signals the fishermen are tired of getting run over and if we don’t get out and say something, we’re going to lose our livelihood,” said Don Brockman, who owns two squid boats.

Under the new restrictions, lights on squid boats cannot use more than 30,000 kilowatts. Many of the 270 boats with permits to fish for squid in California waters have been using twice that amount. When several boats congregate, the midnight glow lights up the horizon, and on clear nights is visible from Newport Beach to Santa Barbara.

The commission also required that squid boats install light-deflecting shields to direct the luminescence onto the water instead of into the air. The controls, which apply to squid fleets operating anywhere in the state, also had the endorsement of staff members at the state Fish and Game department. They will take effect on an unspecified date later this year.