A petition to expand Laguna Beach’s no-fishing zone to its southern border with Dana Point has been filed by a local conservationist group. If approved by the California Fish and Game Commission, this move would ban one of the last fishing zones along Laguna Beach’s coast. Proponents, including ocean conservationists, argue that expanding the no-take zone will help replenish and protect marine life, citing success in existing protected areas. Critics, however, express concerns about the impact on local fishermen’s livelihoods and the loss of recreational fishing opportunities.
The Laguna Beach City Council recently voted unanimously to request further analysis of the petition from state officials, following public comments on the proposal. Councilman Bob Whalen emphasized the need for a thorough review, stating, “This is a decadal review, this is a once in every 10 year opportunity.” The petition was submitted during the California Fish and Wildlife’s first decadal review process, which assesses the effectiveness of the state’s marine protected areas.
The California Fish and Game Commission’s Marine Resources Committee is set to discuss the petition on March 13. The proposed expansion would extend the no-fishing zone southward, making Laguna Beach’s southern coast completely off-limits to fishing. While some city officials support the petition, others, like Mayor Alex Rounaghi, have raised concerns about the lack of collaboration in the petition process.
Ultimately, the decision on the no-fishing zone expansion rests with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and the California Fish and Game Commission.
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