California Beaches Blog

The Partnership for Sustainable Oceans (PSO), which represents recreational fishing and boating interests in California, says that there could be a devastation to the California economy and the public’s right to access the state’s coastal waters. A proposal created by a task force appointed by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger will close vast areas of the South Coast to public access. Particularly hard hit will be the Malibu, Orange County and San Diego County fishing communities. The recreational fishing and boating community does not support this recommendation.

By making a decision to minimize access to coastal waters for sports fishing, the governor-appointed panel passed over the three proposals it earlier voted to send to the Fish and Game Commission in favor of its own version. In a sound public policy process, the conservation effort must  be balanced with responsibly regulated fishing, economic considerations and access to the fishery resource.

The panel’s action flies in the face of California residents’ ability to access our state’s coastal waters and prime fishing grounds, according to Paul Lebowitz, director, Kayak Fishing Association of California.

“This is a dark day for California’s recreational anglers”, said Steve Fukuto, president, United Anglers of Southern California. “Most disappointing is the fact that anglers provide approximately $70 million each year to California for marine fisheries management and countless hours of volunteer time to support fisheries in the state. For example, United Anglers of Southern California were instrumental in creating the white sea bass hatchery program. No other user group even comes close to this level of investment – certainly not the people who support closing our state waters to California’s residents.”

Recreational anglers and boaters should attend the December 9, 2009 meeting in Los Angeles. Anglers should attend and voice their support for Proposal 2 and against the preferred alternative the governor-appointed panel favors.