Protection of Fisheries Habitat

By Carolyn Moffatt

A sucessful port and recreational facility depends upon a healthy and productive marine environment. Regulatory agencies outside of the Harbor District make critical decisions regulating our coastal resources.

There has been much in the news and scientific publications regarding the need to reduce the pressure on fishery populations. Unfortunetly, the major focus is primarily on the fishing industry to reduce their take. The fishing industry may be over capitalized (too many boats chasing too few fish). Management practices are wasteful and should be revised. However, greater emphasis should be placed on protection of habitat and restoration of declining species as well. Oceanographic features located off our coast called the Santa Lucia Bank and Escarpment create critical habitat. Heavy industrial activities including seismic exploration for offshore oil and thermal pollution and entrainment of larval and juvenile fish likely affect whole generations of commercial species in general and specific locations along the central coast. Municipal discharge and upland drainage contribute to pollution of the nearshore habitat. Fines for violations and mitigation monies should go directly into a comprehensive long term research, restoration and enhancement program.

Additional industrial activities that alter the marine ecosystems must be disallowed.

Whole fisheries have been lost on the east coast. It must not happen here.