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

There is still Time To Participate

Comments, questions, and supplemental information on the evaluations should be submitted to the Commission. Written comments can be  submitted  three ways. This ensures that your feedback is formally received by the Commissioners. You can also provide verbal comments on the petitions in person or virtually at one of the upcoming Regional MPA Petition Commission meetings or at a regular Commission meeting. Keep Reading! 

What Can You Do to Contribute?

California’s current MPA petition process is active right now, and there are real opportunities for people—not just fishermen—to participate. The California Fish and Game Commission is reviewing multiple petitions that could affect fishing access, seafood availability, and coastal economies for years to come. Whether you are a commercial fisherman, seafood consumer, business owner, or community member, your voice can help shape the outcome.

First, understand what is at stake

Before taking action, it’s important to understand what is being proposed. Current MPA petitions include a mix of proposals—some that could restrict fishing access and others that could expand opportunities or adjust boundaries.

These decisions don’t just affect fishermen. They directly impact:

• Access to fresh, wild-caught seafood

• Local coastal economies

• Working waterfronts and harbor activity

• The availability of high-protein, non-processed food sources

Understanding which areas and fisheries are affected is the first step to meaningful participation.

⚓ For Commercial Fishermen

Commercial fishermen bring essential, firsthand knowledge to this process.

You can contribute by:

• Reviewing petitions that affect your fishing grounds

• Submitting written comments explaining real-world impacts

• Attending meetings and providing testimony

• Sharing how changes affect your operation, crew, and port

Your on-the-water experience is one of the most valuable inputs the Commission can receive.

🐟 For Seafood Consumers & Community Members

If you care about access to local, wild-caught seafood, your voice matters too.

Wild seafood is:

• A high-protein, nutrient-dense food source

• Minimally processed

• One of the most environmentally efficient (low carbon footprint) protein sources available

National dietary guidance continues to encourage increased seafood consumption as part of a healthy diet. Protecting access to responsibly harvested, local seafood supports both public health and sustainable food systems.

👉 You can contribute by:

• Writing a letter as a seafood consumer

• Explaining why access to local fish matters to you and your family

• Supporting policies that maintain a balanced approach between conservation and food production

🏭 For Processors & Seafood Buyers

Processors, distributors, and seafood buyers play a critical role in connecting fishermen to the public.

MPA decisions can directly impact:

• Supply consistency

• Product availability

• Pricing and market stability

👉 You can contribute by:

• Submitting comments on how proposed changes affect your supply chain

• Explaining the importance of stable access to local fisheries

• Highlighting the role of commercial fishing in feeding communities

🔧 For Marine Support & Harbor-Based Businesses

If your business depends on commercial fishing, you are part of this system.

This includes:

• Boat repair and maintenance

• Fuel docks

• Ice suppliers

• Gear providers

• Harbor services

👉 You can contribute by:

• Sharing how fishing activity supports your business

• Explaining the economic ripple effect of reduced or expanded access

• Supporting policies that maintain a healthy working waterfront

📝 Submit a written letter or email

Time is of the Essence here! Submit your letters now! 

One of the most effective ways to participate is by submitting a comment.

📧 Email: fgc@fgc.ca.gov
📬 Mail:
California Fish and Game Commission
P.O. Box 944209
Sacramento, CA 94244-2090

Your comment becomes part of the official public record reviewed by decision-makers.

📍 Show up to the meetings

Public meetings are where decisions are discussed in real time.

Tribal Committee Meeting 

• April 14 Agenda Here

Fish & Game Commission Meetings

• April 15 Agenda Here

• April 16 Agenda Here

Key 2026 regional meetings include:

• April 21 — Northern California (Del Norte through Monterey counties)

San Mateo Elks Lodge
229 W. 20th Avenue
San Mateo, CA 94403

• May 5–6 — Central Coast & Channel Islands (highly relevant locally) (San Luis Obispo through Santa Barbara counties, including the northern Channel Islands and Santa Barbara Island) and Inland Sport Fishing

Hilton Garden Inn
6878 Hollister Avenue
Goleta, CA 93117

• May 19 — Southern California (Los Angeles through San Diego counties, including Santa Catalina Island)

Holiday Inn Express
35 Via Pico Plaza
San Clemente, CA 92672

🗣️ Speak during public comment

Even a short statement can make a difference.

You don’t need to be an expert—just explain:

• How this affects your work, business, or food access

• Why it matters to you

Real-world perspectives are powerful.

🧰 Use available resources

• Review VCCFA's official MPA Petition Process breakdown! This should bring you up to date and informed enough to write a letter or contribute in upcoming meetings.

• Review MPA petitions and maps

• Understand the specific areas being discussed

• Look at existing public comments

• CCA California MPA Petition page has examples of how to submit letters as well. 

⚓ Reach out to VCCFA

If you have questions or want help understanding the process, contact the Ventura County Commercial Fishermen’s Association.

VCCFA can help you:

• Understand what’s being proposed

• Identify impacts to your area or business

• Prepare effective comments

🔍 Final Thought

This process is not limited to one group. It affects fishermen, families, businesses, and anyone who values access to fresh, local seafood.

You don’t need to be a policymaker to participate.

If you:

• Fish

• Eat seafood

• Sell seafood

• Support the fishing industry

👉 Then your voice belongs in this conversation.

🔥 Call to Action (use as a box or highlight)

• Make your voice count.
  Review the petitions, understand what’s at stake, and submit your comments to fgc@fgc.ca.gov. 

• Attend a meeting, share your perspective, and help ensure that decisions reflect not just policy—but real people, real businesses, and real access to California’s coastal resources.

📝 Sample Letters

⚓ 1. Commercial Fisherman Letter

Subject: Public Comment on MPA Petitions – Commercial Fishing Impact

Dear Commissioners,

My name is [Your Name], and I am a commercial fisherman operating out of [Port/Harbor Name]. I am writing to provide comment on the current Marine Protected Area (MPA) petitions under review.

These proposed changes have direct impacts on my ability to access fishing grounds, maintain consistent operations, and support my crew and local economy. The areas under consideration are not abstract locations—they represent working grounds that have supported sustainable commercial fishing for years.

I respectfully ask the Commission to carefully consider the real-world impacts of reduced access, including economic effects on fishermen, processors, harbor businesses, and coastal communities. I also encourage a science-based approach that evaluates whether proposed changes are necessary and balanced.

Commercial fishermen bring firsthand knowledge of ocean conditions, species behavior, and sustainable practices. I hope that perspective is given meaningful weight in this process.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Port / Business Name]

🐟 2. Seafood Consumer Letter

Subject: Support for Access to Local, Wild-Caught Seafood

Dear Commissioners,

My name is [Your Name], and I am a California resident and seafood consumer. I am writing regarding the current Marine Protected Area (MPA) petitions under consideration.

Access to fresh, local, wild-caught seafood is important to me and my family. It is a healthy, high-protein, minimally processed food source, and one of the most environmentally efficient proteins available.

Decisions that significantly reduce fishing access may limit the availability of local seafood and increase reliance on imported or processed alternatives. I encourage the Commission to consider how these petitions may impact public access to sustainable, locally harvested food.

I support responsible ocean management and conservation, but I also believe it is important to maintain a balanced approach that allows continued access to locally sourced seafood.

Thank you for considering the perspective of consumers who value fresh, wild-caught fish.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[City, CA]

🏭 3. Business Owner / Processor Letter

Subject: Public Comment – Impact on Seafood Supply & Coastal Businesses

Dear Commissioners,

My name is [Your Name], and I am a [business owner / processor / seafood buyer] based in [City/Harbor]. I am writing to comment on the current MPA petitions under review.

My business depends on a stable and consistent supply of locally caught seafood. Changes that significantly reduce fishing access can directly impact supply chains, product availability, and economic stability for businesses like mine.

Commercial fishing supports a wide network beyond the vessel, including processing, distribution, retail, and harbor-based services. Reductions in access can have ripple effects throughout this system.

I encourage the Commission to consider the broader economic and food system impacts when evaluating these petitions and to support a balanced approach that maintains both conservation goals and working waterfronts.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Business Name]

⚡ Take Action in 2 Minutes

📢 Make Your Voice Heard

Submitting a comment is quick and easy—and it makes a difference.

Step 1: Copy a Letter

Choose the template that fits you:

• Commercial Fisherman

• Seafood Consumer

• Business Owner

👉 Copy the text above and personalize:

• Your name

• Your location

• Your experience

Step 2: Send Your Comment

📧 Email: fgc@fgc.ca.gov
Subject: Public Comment on MPA Petitions

Visit VCCFA Position Letters page to view our submission

👉 Paste your letter into the email and hit send.

Step 3: (Optional but Powerful)

• Attend a Fish & Game Commission meeting

• Speak during public comment

• Share your experience directly

Need help or have questions? Contact the Ventura County Commercial Fishermen’s Association for guidance on how to get involved.

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