Last spring a Blue Ribbon Task Force was assembled to evaluate packages from scientists, divers, environmentalists, and fishers. Fishing Package 1 protected 5% and the Diver/environmental Package 2R set aside 13%. Surprising most user groups, a third group that included the Monterey Bay Marine Santuary proposed Package 3R protecting 10% and the BRTF recommended its adoption by Fish & Game. The BRTF threw out 2 other packages more protective than the Diver/environmental Package 2R, but passed along Fishing Package 1 and the Diver/environmental Package 2R for comparison purposes.
After evaluating the BRTF recommendation, the DFG created its own Package P which was approved by the Fish & Game Commission last night.
Marine reserves represent the most restrictive effort to revive plummeting fish stocks, some of which, experts say, have fallen by as much as 95% in recent decades. Regulations that limit the number of various types of fish that can be caught have failed to stave off the decline marine scientists fear could lead to a collapse of marine life. The reserves, by making all fishing off-limits, are designed to protect every marine creature in them - from the biggest bass to the smallest snail - and their oceanic habitat.
In recent months and years, marine reserves have been set up around the Channel Islands off Ventura and Santa Barbara counties, some remote islands of the Florida Keys and the northwest Hawaiian Islands.
Light & Motion wishes to thank 1000's of divers along with Berkley White, Mark Shargel, Jesus Ruiz, the Monterey Bay Aquarium, Natural Resources Defense Council, and Ocean Conservancy for their diligent efforts to protect the oceans.
