Commercial fishermen urge Harbor Commission to act on state MPA petitions; commission to consider drafting letter

Representatives of the Commercial Fishermen of Santa Barbara urged the Harbor Commission on Feb. 20 to consider a formal response to dozens of petitions submitted to the California Fish and Game Commission proposing changes to the state’s marine protected area (MPA) network.

Dr. Kim Selco (presenting with time ceded by Chris Voss) told commissioners that some petitions lack collaborative stakeholder input and could have ‘‘extremely threatening’’ effects on the viability of the working waterfront. He singled out petitions he identified as 33 and 29 and said one petition could affect as much as 80% of a local urchin fishing operator’s harvest area at Santa Rosa Island and elsewhere, and he asked the Harbor Commission to agendize discussion and possible action.

Commissioners and staff clarified jurisdiction: staff said MPA designation decisions are made by the Fish and Game Commission (with input from the Department of Fish and Wildlife) and are not city actions, but the city can submit comments through its legislative platform or a council position. Director Wilshire said the city is updating its legislative platform and that staff would research council stance and return to the Harbor Commission with options.

Commissioners suggested the commercial fishing work group draft a letter for review at the March meeting so the commission could consider forwarding it in time for Fish and Game deadlines in early April. Staff also cautioned about Brown Act constraints when drafting communications and recommended involving the chair and work group appropriately.

The commission did not take a formal vote on a position at the Feb. 20 meeting; members asked staff to return with a draft and to coordinate with the work group and chair for review and possible action in March.