California Fish and Game Commission reviews marine protected area petitions

The California Fish and Game Commission is conducting a four-day meeting starting October 13 to review various regulatory changes and petitions.

A primary focus involves 19 petitions to modify the state’s network of marine protected areas (MPAs). Among these are two tribally led petitions affecting Santa Barbara County. The Northern Chumash Tribal Council and the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) have proposed a 9.18-square-mile protected area off Point Sal, which would allow shore-based recreational fishing and certain activities during Vandenberg Space Force Base missions.

Additionally, the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians, the NRDC, and the Environmental Defense Center have proposed the Mishopshno protected area off the coast of Carpinteria. This proposal would prohibit the take of ocean resources approximately 3.6 miles offshore, while allowing shore-based recreational finfish fishing. The Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians would receive a tribal-take exemption.

Other agenda items include discussing new regulations for the commercial use and display of native rattlesnakes in contexts such as reptile shows, film, television, and dog aversion training.