Freedivers' Information for proposed

Southern California Closures

General Information

   INTRODUCTION TO THE PROBLEM

Specific Areas

    NORTHERN CALIFORNIA: The Central California Council of Divers (CenCal) has made an excellent site, which covers many aspects of the law: http://www.cencal.org/mlpa.html

    SO. CAL. COASTLINE: Santa Barbara Area,  Leo Carillo,   Palos Verdes

   SO. CAL. ISLANDS:  Catalina Island,   San Clemente Island,   San Nicholas Island

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General Information

Introduction:

    This web site is dedicated to freedivers who want to participate in the definition of proposed closure zones that prohibit the take of game mandated by the Marine Life Protection Act 1999 (MLPA), which mandates "marine life reserves" (defined as no-take areas.) As this process evolves, we will endeavor to update this site with new information. Several "Champions" of their specific areas of interest have already surfaced. We will include their thoughts and keep a running dialogue as the process unfolds.

A brief overview of the law by Terry Maas:

I have derived the following points and thoughts by studying the web site of the California Dept. of Fish and game, the body responsible for implementation of this act. I encourage you to visit their web site at: http://www.dfg.ca.gov/mrd/mlpa/index.html. The first step in the current process is to publish the proposed no-take areas. Next, the department is holding local meetings for input on the proposed closures. The DFG states "These concepts are preliminary and have been established to provide a starting point for discussion." By January 1, 2002, a draft of the master plan must be submitted to the Department of F&G for approval later in the year. No pre-set percentage of the coast line is mandated.

The state has been divided into 4 regions. Except  for San Miguel, Santa Rosa, and San Nicolas Islands, which are
included with the South-Central Marine Region, the area south of Pt Conception is the South Region. Each region must at least 3 separate sets  each of 8 different habitats.

The MLPA calls for three designations: Conservation areas, Parks and Reserves. Of the three only the Reserves call for no take of fish.

Once these areas are established, they will not go away. A close reading of the material suggests that fishing might be further restricted within these areas and that the areas themselves might be expanded. Freedivers will have to stay  informed as the closure process continues. At some point we will have to to some serious horse trading, giving up some areas for others. We will also have to watch the other groups interested in this process for possible partnerships for our mutual good. Here are the groups I can identify now:

Freediving spearfishers: Most do not want to lose valuable hunting grounds, however, many recognize the wisdom of some no-take zones.
Scuba diving photographers: Most would be happy if the entire coast was closed to all game gathering.
Commercial Fishermen: Most would be happy with un-restricted take to the entire ocean.
Anglers: Perhaps this group is most aligned with the interests of freediving spearfishermen.
Research Scientists: Most would be happy with large areas of the coast and islands set aside for non-human interference except for experimentation and observation.

Issues to Consider and Watch:

Some MPAs allow only shore-based fishing activities. We need to make sure that freedivers, swimming or paddling from shore fit under this definition.
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From Matt Bond, mb88@hotmail.com, 7/21/01
1) The take of other invertebrates, such as crab, urchins and scallops, should be included in areas that are now only designated for lobster.

2) Areas designated as "Hook and line from shore only", such as the Conception SMP must allow spearfishing. We are far more discriminating than a hook and line could ever hope to be.

3) Access to sustenance take must not be denied. Some key areas along the coast are used by people who's only means of travel is their feet.

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