www.vccfa.org - VCCFA Positions on Petitions

Strength in numbers 84 Members and growing: Join today!

JOIN VCCFA

www.vccfa.org

Del Norte to Monterey Counties

San Luis Obispo to Ventura Counties

Los Angeles to San Diego Counties

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

VCCFA Positions on MPA Petitions

The Ventura County Commercial Fishermen’s Association (VCCFA) has taken a clear and consistent position on Marine Protected Area (MPA) petitions currently under review by the California Fish and Game Commission.

As these petitions move through scientific evaluation and public review, VCCFA is actively engaged to ensure that the voices of working fishermen are represented and that decisions are grounded in sound science, fairness, and real-world experience.

Scroll to the bottom of this page to see specific VCCFA MPA Petition Position (Oppose or Support)

Our Guiding Principle

VCCFA evaluates every MPA petition through a straightforward standard:

We SUPPORT petitions that expand or maintain fishing opportunity when backed by credible, substantiated scientific data.
We OPPOSE petitions that reduce or eliminate fishing opportunity without clear, science-based justification.

This position reflects our mission to protect access, support sustainable fisheries, and ensure that management decisions are based on evidence—not assumptions.

Understanding the Stakes

The current round of MPA petitions represents one of the most significant regulatory review processes affecting California fisheries in over a decade.

In total:

20 petitions were submitted in 2023
Proposing 80+ potential changes to California’s MPA network
Now under review through a structured scientific and public process

These proposals include:

Expanding or reducing MPA boundaries
Changing allowable fishing activities
Reclassifying MPAs to more restrictive or more flexible designations

The outcomes of this process will directly shape where, how, and whether commercial fishing can occur along California’s coast for years to come.

Our Approach to Individual Petitions

VCCFA does not take a one-size-fits-all approach. Each petition is reviewed individually based on:

Scientific validity
Impacts to commercial fishing access
Economic consequences to working waterfronts
Consistency with the goals of adaptive MPA management

We recognize that not all petitions are equal—some present reasonable, science-based adjustments, while others propose restrictions that are not supported by data or fail to consider fishing communities.

Commitment to Science and Accountability

The MPA petition process is intended to be part of California’s adaptive management framework, allowing changes over time as new information becomes available.

VCCFA strongly supports this concept—but only when it is applied fairly.

We advocate for:

Transparent use of scientific data
Equal scrutiny of proposals that restrict and expand access
Consideration of on-the-water knowledge from fishermen
Accountability in how decisions are made

Representing Fishermen in the Process

VCCFA is actively participating in:

Public comment at Commission meetings
Direct engagement with decision-makers
Collaboration with other stakeholders where appropriate

Our role is to ensure that:

Commercial fishermen are not excluded from the conversation
Policy decisions reflect real operational impacts
Access is not reduced without clear, defensible justification

Where We Stand

This process is not just about conservation—it is about balance.

California’s fisheries can and must support both:

Healthy marine ecosystems
Sustainable commercial fishing communities

VCCFA will continue to advocate for policies that recognize both realities.

Stay Informed and Get Involved

The decisions being made now will have lasting impacts on access, livelihoods, and the future of commercial fishing in California.

We encourage all fishermen and stakeholders to:

Stay informed on petition developments
Participate in public meetings
Make your voice heard

Local / Regional Areas Impacted

Support: (Accept)

Petition 2023-14MPA

Allow commercial sea urchin take in 9 MPAs statewide