A dispute has emerged along California's Central Coast as the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians proposes a new Marine Protected Area (MPA) that could significantly limit fishing access, raising concerns among local fishermen about their livelihoods.
The tribe submitted a proposal to the California Fish and Game Commission to establish an MPA extending from Morro Rock to the local dog beach near Morro Bay. Initially, the proposal allowed for some recreational fishing, but an amendment submitted in April by the tribe would reserve fishing access exclusively for Chumash members.
Claire Waggoner, a manager with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife Marine Region Habitat Conservation Program, stated that the original petition included provisions for recreational take of finfish and invertebrates, with exceptions for mussels and scallops. However, the amended request limits fishing activities within the proposed zone to the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians.
This potential restriction has prompted strong opposition from fishing families who assert that such a move could cripple a community deeply connected to the ocean. Lori French, whose husband is a fisherman in Morro Bay, described fishing as more than just a job, stating, "It's his identity. It's not like you just go to work and shut the job off." She noted that the proposed MPA encompasses areas vital for Dungeness crab, rock crab, halibut, and salmon fishing.
French further claimed that local fishermen feel their concerns have been largely overlooked in the approval process, warning of severe economic repercussions for both individual families and the broader Morro Bay community. "For the fishermen, it would have a devastating economic impact and for the town, for Morro Bay, I think it would be pretty severe also," she told KSBY News.
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife indicated that its review process evaluates proposals based on criteria such as alignment with the Marine Life Protection Act, integration into the state's existing MPA network, and tribal participation. Waggoner clarified that the agency's evaluation does not determine the ultimate approval of a proposal, as the commission considers numerous factors in its final decision.
Tribal Chairman Kenneth Khan defended the proposal, emphasizing its aim to conserve culturally significant waters and protect marine ecosystems. "Our goal, as the only federally recognized Chumash tribe in the nation, is to help protect the biodiversity and cultural resources in the waters along the central coast through co-management with the state," Khan stated. He added that the petition, filed in 2023, seeks to protect a historically and culturally important northernmost coastal Chumash village site.
Khan also mentioned that the tribe has requested the commission consider modifications to the proposal that would permit some recreational activities while still ensuring adequate protection for the area. "We recently asked the California Fish and Game Commission to consider adjusting the petition so that it would accommodate some recreational users while still being considered sufficiently protective to qualify as an MPA," he said, expressing hope for a solution that safeguards the waters long-term.
The California Fish and Game Commission is anticipated to release its recommendation prior to its August meeting, with a final decision expected in October. If approved, the implementation of any new restrictions could take an estimated two to five years, pending environmental reviews under the California Environmental Quality Act and additional public input.