State Panel OKs Closing Parts of Ocean Off Santa Barbara County to Boat Fishing

A state panel has approved moving forward with proposals to close parts of the ocean off Santa Barbara County to some forms of boat fishing, creating two new marine protected areas. The two tribally led petitions would establish a 9.18-square-mile zone off Point Sal in North County and a 9.05-square-mile area off the Carpinteria coast in South County. The commission unanimously voted to advance the plans, with three additional hearings scheduled for notice, discussion and adoption before an environmental impact review. Supporters say the patchwork network needs strengthening, while fishers argue closures threaten livelihoods. Point Sal’s area would allow shoreline recreational hook-and-line fishing, but prohibit other take activities. The MPA would also be renamed with a Chumash place name.