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Partner Positions

Partner Positions
This page summarizes publicly available positions from VCCFA partner and allied organizations regarding active Marine Protected Area petition matters before the California Fish and Game Commission. Positions are based on organization websites, published statements, board minutes, public comments, and official petition materials. Statuses are updated as source material becomes available.

• Commercial Fishermen of Santa Barbara (CFSB) — General opposition to the current MPA petition process as framed; emphasizes science before amendments.

• Pacific Coast Federation of Fishermen’s Associations (PCFFA) — Supports conservation goals but argues additional MPAs are not the only tool; coordinating opposition where petition changes harm commercial fishing access.

• California Lobster Trap & Fishermen’s Association (CLTFA) - Opposed to petitions that significantly restrict fishing access. Based on comments submitted to the California Fish and Game Commission by commercial fishing organizations, the California Lobster Trap Fishermen’s Association aligns with broader industry concerns that certain MPA petitions threaten fishing access, port activity, and the economic viability of coastal communities. These comments emphasize the need for science-based evaluation and oppose large-scale or “all-or-nothing” closures that lack sufficient justification. The association’s position is consistent with other Central and Southern California commercial fishing groups advocating for balanced, targeted management approaches.

• California Sea Urchin Commission (CSUC) — Supports petition changes allowing commercial sea urchin take in nine SMCAs.

• California Fishermen’s Resiliency Association (CFRA) — Supports selective MPA modifications that allow more fishing access where justified, while strongly opposing any new or expanded MPAs that restrict commercial fishing due to lack of scientific benefit and significant economic harm.

• California Sea Cucumber Divers Association (CSCDA) — Position not yet verified from public source.

• Bodega Bay Fishermen’s Association — Position not yet verified from public source in this pass.

• San Diego Fishermen’s Working Group — Position not yet verified from a current public MPA-specific source in this pass.

• Coastal Conservation Association - “Support conservation — oppose unnecessary expansion or loss of fishing access without strong science.” Supports marine conservation and the existing MPA network but opposes petitions that expand closures or reduce fishing access without strong scientific justification. Advocates for a science-based, data-driven approach and emphasizes that MPAs should be one of several tools used in fisheries management. Actively engaged in coalition efforts to influence petition outcomes.

Letters

• Commercial Fishermen of Santa Barbara 

• Pacific Coast Federation of Fishermen’s Associations 

• California Lobster Trap & Fishermen’s Association (CLTFA)

• California Sea Urchin Commission 

• California Fishermen’s Resiliency Association 

• California Sea Cucumber Divers Association 

• Bodega Bay Fishermen’s Association 

• San Diego Fishermen’s Working Group 

• Coastal Conservation Association 

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What are MPA Petitions *History  *Current Status   *Key Players *VCCFA's Position *Partner Positions *What Can You Do