California has designated its first tribal-championed marine protected areas, often described as underwater parks. While environmentalists celebrate the historic move, commercial fishers warn they will lose access to key waters.
The California Fish and Game Commission voted Thursday to create two roughly nine-square-mile State Marine Conservation Areas near Carpinteria and around Central California’s Point Sal. The efforts were co-led by the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians and the Northern Chumash Tribal Council, respectively. Both areas will allow hook-and-line fishing from the shore but prohibit commercial fishing and sportfishing from a boat.
The marine conservation area near Point Sal encompasses kelp forests and what’s known as Lion Rock, a haven for sea lions, seals and migratory birds, said Violet Sage Walker, chair of the Northern Chumash Tribal Council. There are ancient village sites along the coast, she added…