*Denotes Petition will or has been discussed in other MPA Regional Meetings. This meeting will deal with the areas effected within this Regional Meeting of those particular MPA Petitions.

Continue down this page for details on each MPA Petition

CALL TO ACTION!

Submit Letters (*Comment Deadline: May 6. 5 pm: **Supplemental Comment Deadline May 14. 12pm)

* Written comments received at the Commission office by the Comment Deadline will be made available to the Commissioners prior to the meeting, made available to the public, and may be posted online with meeting materials. ** Written comments received at the Commission office by the Supplemental Comment Deadline will be made available to Commissioners at the meeting, but not posted online. After these deadlines, written comments may be delivered in person to the meeting. Please bring twelve (12) copies of written comments and hand them to the designated staff member just prior to speaking.

For Letter templates and instructions click here

Attend and Participate in Regional Meeting

May 19. 8:00 a.m.

Join in person or online

Address and Link to Meeting below

In Person (Most Impact)

Tuesday May 19th

Holiday Inn Express

35 Via Pico Plaza

San Clemente, CA 92672

Online

As of April 10th, this has not been published on Fish and Game Commissions website: It will be uploaded here as soon as it is available. Here is the link to the page where the agenda and zoom invite will be in the meantime

Central and Southern California commercial fishermen—and the businesses that depend on them—are at a critical moment as MPA petitions move toward review at the May 5th and May 6th Fish and Game regional meetings.

What’s at stake?

2023-24 – Laguna Beach Expansion (SoCal Direct Impact)

Expands no-take MPA into Dana Point SMCA
Eliminates:
- Commercial lobster fishing
- Urchin and finfish take in that zone
Removes one of the only remaining fishing areas inside Laguna Beach
Identified as a high-use lobster fishing block → direct economic hit
Forces effort:
- Offshore or south → crowding + safety + fuel costs
Net effect: Loss of productive nearshore grounds with little proven benefit

2023-14 – Allow Commercial Urchin Take in 9 MPAs (Statewide, includes SoCal implications)

One of the only pro-fishing petitions
Would reopen access to urchin grounds inside MPAs
Stakes:
- Could restore access to historic fishing areas
- Supports kelp management via urchin removal

2023-33 – New MPA + Expand 6 MPAs (Statewide, Precedent Threat)

Adds new MPA (Pleasure Point) + expands multiple existing MPAs
Even though Central/NorCal focused:
- Sets statewide precedent for expansion
Stakes for SoCal:
- Reinforces MPA expansion model
- Signals future closures likely in Southern California
Net effect: Long-term threat to access across entire coast

2023-34 – Point Buchon + Farnsworth Changes (Precedent + Catalina Relevance)

Converts areas to more restrictive designations (SMR/no-take)
Farnsworth (Catalina area relevance):
- Potential tightening of existing access and take rules
Stakes:
- Expands reclassification trend → SMCA → SMR
- Reduces flexibility in “limited take” areas
Net effect: Gradual loss of fishable zones through reclassification

Economic Impact
- Loss of nearshore grounds = higher costs + reduced catch efficiency

These petitions collectively reduce fishing access, shift effort into smaller areas, and set a precedent for expanding and tightening MPAs along the Southern California coast—directly impacting working fishermen’s ability to operate safely and economically.

*not all petitions move in one direction—some proposals may adjust boundaries, reopen limited access, or better align protections with actual habitat use, which could create opportunities for improved access if shaped correctly. Scroll down this page to see specific MPA Petitions being discussed, and prepare your statement in support or opposition.

Why it matters

decisions made now will define how much water remains available to fish and how fairly it is managed, especially as existing MPAs are still being evaluated

Action needed

fishermen, processors, and support industries must engage now—show up May 5th and May 6th, submit comments, and help ensure outcomes protect both ocean health and the long-term viability of commercial fishing.

NOT ANOTHER INCH!

New and expanded Marine Protected Area (MPA) petitions are being consideration by the California Fish and Game Commission.

In addition to HOW INCREASED MPAS affects you, keep in mind, the primary argument against expanding MPAs is that there has not been sufficient time to fully evaluate the socioeconomic and ecological impacts of the existing network—on fishermen’s livelihoods, consumer access to local seafood, and whether MPAs are achieving their intended outcomes. Expanding closures now risks shifting fishing pressure into smaller open areas, increasing reliance on imported seafood with a higher carbon footprint, and creating unintended economic and environmental consequences.

These proposals could further restrict access to key fishing grounds along the California coast —places many small-boat fishermen depend on every day.
What’s at stake is more than access—it’s the future of working waterfronts, local seafood supply, and the livelihoods of those who rely on these fisheries.
Additional closures risk shifting pressure into smaller open areas, increasing costs, and creating unintended impacts, while existing MPAs are still being evaluated.

Increase Commercial Fishing Opportunity!

Changes in Boundries and take restrictions via (MPA) petitions are being consideration by the California Fish and Game Commission.

Support MPA petitions that increase commercial fishing opportunities is grounded in the need to responsibly restore access where existing restrictions may be broader than necessary, while still maintaining conservation goals. Thoughtful adjustments can strengthen local economies, improve access to sustainable, low-carbon seafood, and ensure fishing effort is more evenly distributed without compromising ecological objectives.

CALL TO ACTION

If fishermen don’t speak up now, decisions will be made without their voice. This is the time to engage, show up, and advocate for balanced, science-based management that protects both the ocean and our industry.

To become familiar with Petitions being presented and discussed at this meeting, scroll down this page.

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA MPA Petitions discussed in this meeting

MAY 19th

2023-24

2023-24 Expand Laguna Beach no-take SMCA
- Laguna Beach SMCA (no-take)

Submitted By:

Laguna Bluebelt Coalition

Existing

Proposed

VCCFA Recommedation DENY

To view full Petition - Click Here.

Extend the Laguna Beach no-take SMCA southern boundary to the southern border of city of Laguna Beach, which will require modification of northern boundary of Dana Point SMCA (modified boundaries as amended)

Expand the existing Laguna Beach no-take SMR southward

Convert part of the Dana Point SMCA into full no-take (SMR)

In simple terms:
Take an area that currenly allows some fishing → make it completely closed

What the Petition Is Trying to Do

Create a continuous stretch of no-take coastline
Eliminate what they call a “gap” in protection

This is a pure expansion petition —no trade-offs, no added access

Direct Impacts to Commercial Fishing

1. Loss of Active Fishing Grounds

Area currently allows:
- Commercial lobster fishing
- Some finfish / other take (depending on regs)
Would become 100% closed

Immediate loss of working fishing area

2. Targets a Known Productive Zone

This stretch is:
- Actively used by fishermen
- Valuable for nearshore fisheries (especially lobster)

Not theoretical — this is real, working water

3. Effort Displacement

Fishermen forced to:
- Move north or south
- Stack into smaller open areas

Leads to:

Crowding
Gear conflicts
Reduced efficiency
Higher fuel costs

4. Benefit to Fishermen

This is a one-way loss

5. Precedent for SoCal Expansion

If approved:
- Validates “fill the gaps” strategy
Could lead to:
- More closures between existing MPAs

Risk of chain-reaction expansions along SoCal coast

This is a high-impact negative petition for commercial fishing

✔️ What it does:

Expands an MPA into currently fishable water

What it means:

Less access
More pressure elsewhere
No benefit in return

This petition removes productive fishing grounds in Laguna Beach by expanding a no-take MPA into currently open waters, displacing fishermen into smaller areas and setting a precedent for further closures along the Southern California coast.

2023-14

2023-14* Allow commercial sea urchin take in 9 MPAs statewide
- Point Vicente SMCA (no-take)
- Swami's SMCA
- Point Dume SMCA

*Additional Geographies discussed at

- April 21st (@San Mateo)
  - Double Cone Rock SMCA
  - Sea Lion Cove SMCA
  - Stewart's Point SMCA
  - Salt Point SMCA
- May 6 (@Santa Barbara)
  - Anacapa Island SMCA
  - Naples SMCA

Submitted By:

California Sea Urchin Commission

Swami's SMCA

Existing (No Urchin Take)

Proposed (Allow Urchin Take)

Point Dume SMCA

Existing (No Urchin Take)

Proposed (Allow Urchin Take)

VCCFA Recommedation APPROVE

To view full Petition - Click Here.

Allow commercial take of sea urchins in 9 State Marine Conservation Areas (Double Cone Rock SMCA, Sea Lion Cove SMCA, Stewart's Point SMCA, Salt Point SMCA, Naples SMCA, Anacapa Island SMCA, Point Dume SMCA, Point Vicente SMCA (no-take), Swami's SMCA)

Sonoma & Mendocino (Stewarts Point, Salt Point, Sea Lion Cove, Double Cone Rock)
Southern California (Anacapa Island, Point Dume, Point Vicente, Swami’s, Naples)

Core idea:

Use commercial urchin fishing as a management tool to reduce urchin barrens
Support kelp forest recovery and ecosystem balance
Help rebuild a collapsed urchin fishery (from ~4.2M lbs in 2013 to ~284K lbs in 2022)

Benefits to Commercial Fishing

Increases access to previously restricted areas
Provides economic recovery opportunity for urchin divers
Aligns fishermen as part of the solution (active ecosystem management)
Could help stabilize kelp ecosystems, benefiting broader fisheries

2023-33

2023-33* Add new MPA near Pleasure Point and expand 6 MPAs statewide
- Point Dume SMCA
- Cabrillo SMR

*Additional Geographies discussed at

- April 21 (@San Mateo)
  - Natural Bridges SMR
  - New - "Pleasure Point SMCA"
- May 6th (@Santa Barbara)
  - Gull Island SMR
  - South Point SMR
- May 6 (@Santa Barbara)
  - Point Conception SMR

Submitted By:

Environment California and Azul

Point Dume SMCA

Existing

Proposed Expand westward and add allowance for recreational take from shore by hook and line and by spearfishing

Cabrillo SMR

Existing

Proposed Expand westward and northward

VCCFA Recommedation DENY

To view full Petition - Click Here.

Designate one new MPA ( Pleasure Point SMCA - amended) and expand boundaries of SMRs at Cabrillo (amended), Natural Bridges (amended), Point Conception , South Point , and Gull Island , and of SMCA at Point Dume ; add new take allowance at Point Dume SMCA (amended)

This petition proposes a series of MPA expansions and new designations across California including:

Expanding multiple existing MPAs (e.g., Cabrillo SMR, Point Dume SMCA, Natural Bridges SMR, South Point SMR)
Creating at least one new MPA (Pleasure Point area)
Expansions range from a few square miles to 20+ sq mi per site

Concerns for Commercial Fishing

Significant loss of access (cumulative):
- Multiple expansions across the state = large net reduction in fishable waters
Targets productive areas:
- Specifically focuses on healthy, resilient kelp zones—often the same areas fishermen rely on
Expansion into deeper waters:
- Some proposals extend offshore to 3-mile limit, including areas not directly tied to kelp
Precedent-setting:
- Moves toward broad MPA expansion strategy, not isolated adjustments
Limited commercial consideration:
- Some areas noted as having “little commercial fishing,” but that is not statewide reality

⚖️ Bottom Line

This is a large-scale expansion petition—one of the most impactful overall. It raises major concerns for commercial fishing due to cumulative loss of access, overlap with productive fishing grounds, and expansion beyond clearly justified habitat areas.

2023-34

2023-34* Reclassify Point Buchon SMCA and modify regulations in Farnsworth MPAs
- Farnsworth Onshore SMCA

*Additional Geographies discussed at

- May 5 (@Santa Barbara)
  - Point Buchon SMCA

Submitted By:

Environment California and Azul

Existing

Proposed Modify regulations to allow only recreational spearfishing to enhance enforcement

VCCFA Recommedation DENY

To view full Petition - Click Here.

Reclassify Point Buchon SMCA as an SMR and modify allowed uses at Farnsworth Onshore and Offshore SMCAs

Increase protection levels in existing MPAs (not creating new ones)

Specifically:
- Upgrade Point Buchon SMCA → full no-take SMR
- Restrict Farnsworth Onshore & Offshore SMCAs to:
  - Recreational spearfishing only (eliminating most other fishing activity)

Concerns for Commercial Fishing

Direct loss of commercial access (key issue):
- Point Buchon currently allows commercial salmon & albacore → would be fully closed
Additional fishery impacts:
- Farnsworth changes could impact:
  - Market squid
  - Other pelagic/commercial activity
Conversion effect (important):
- This is not expansion of area—but tightening existing access to zero or near-zero
Precedent risk:
- Opens the door to:
  - Upgrading SMCAs → SMRs statewide
“Minimal impact” claim:
- Petition states impacts are negligible, but:
  - Still removes existing legal fishing opportunities

This is a high-impact regulatory tightening petition—it doesn’t expand MPAs geographically, but it eliminates existing commercial fishing access within them, particularly at Point Buchon, making it a direct loss-of-access issue rather than a boundary issue.

ALL CA Regional Meetings Schedule and Petitions being discussed

Taken from: California Fish and Game Commission Website/meetings2026

Schedule for Letter Submission Deadlines

Taken from: California Fish and Game Commission Website/meetings2026

Additional Regional Fish and Game Commission Meetings MPA Petitions - All meetings are in person and available via zoom. Click below to Read More for each individual region.

Northern California - San Meteo - April 21 - Del Norte through Monterey Petitions