California creates first tribal-led marine protected areas

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Set us as preferred 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.“It’s a very important, special area within and surrounded by areas that are heavily fished and also heavily burdened by pollution and industrialization,” she said.

The designation adds a “safeguard.”She noted that the new state conservation area falls within the existing Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary but offers a higher level of protection, something she said will ward off looming threats — like possible oil and gas leases.In a statement, Kenneth Kahn, chairman for the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians, said he was heartened by the creation of the Mishopshno State Marine Conservation Area, named for a nearby historical village.“This area has important cultural and spiritual values that deserve to be protected for future generations,” he said.Douglas McCauley, a marine biology professor at UC Santa Barbara and former deckhand, called it an “ocean oasis�...