http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/outposts/2009/08/vote-on-marine-reserves-off-northcentral-coast-not-to-anglers-liking.html....The California Fish and Game Commission on Wednesday afternoon adopted the Integrated Preferred Alternative within the Marine Life Protection Act process as it pertains to the North-Central coast.
It will create 24 marine protected areas and ban or restrict fishing in nearly 20% of coastal waters between Half Moon Bay and Point Arena.
The commission adopted the measure -- one of four alternative measures up for consideration -- by a vote of 3-2.
While environmental groups were pleased with a measure they believe will help ensure the long-term survival of beleaguered fish stocks, fishermen did not waste time bemoaning the loss of historic fishing grounds and what they perceive to be a threat to their livelihoods. State game wardens complained that they're already overworked and may not be able to guard against poaching and other violations.
"For me the most painful is an area called Fitzgerald's Reef, which extends outside the harbor six miles along the coast and three miles offshore," said Capt. William Smith of the recreational fishing boat Rip Tide, which runs from Half Moon Bay. "That's always been a major fishery for us."
Much of the waters surrounding the Farallon Islands west of San Francisco also will be closed to fishing, with a few seasonal exceptions. Nature viewing operations might also be affected there because there will be a 1,000-foot buffer zone from North Island. A spokesman for a small seaweed harvesting business at Point Arena said it will suffer a 40% annual loss because of the restrictions.
The closures are scheduled to go into effect Jan. 1