Goleta hearing draws debate over future of California marine protected areas

Community Split Over Proposals to Close Parts of Ocean to Boat Fishing

Proposals from tribal and environmental protection groups to close parts of the waters off Santa Barbara County to boat fishing and other take activities are facing pushback from fishers who say they need those same areas open to support their livelihoods.  Hundreds of Central Coast residents on Tuesday signed up to speak on proposals for new marine protected areas, known as MPAs, at a State of California Fish and Game Commission at the Hilton G…

Goleta hearing draws debate over future of California marine protected areas

GOLETA, Calif. — Community members, environmental advocates and fishing industry representatives gathered in Goleta this week for a public hearing on proposed changes to California’s marine protected areas, known as MPAs. The California Fish and Game Commission is currently reviewing proposals that could expand, reduce or maintain the state’s network of marine protected areas along the coastline. The hearing is part of a broader statewide review…