Features

SANTA BARBARA — A state commission decided Wednesday to create one of the nation’s largest marine reserves by banning fishing in areas around the Channel Islands. 

The state Fish and Game Commission voted 2-1, with two members absent, to create what is essentially a 130-square-mile, offshore wilderness area. 

“I just believe there is more than enough science to show that the Channel Islands need to be protected,” said commissioner Bill Hatoy. 

Speaking to nearly 200 angry fishermen in the audience, he said, “Some of you will call me wrong ... But I think your grandchildren will call me right.” 

The measure will prohibit all fishing in specific sections around the five islands. However, there will be some exceptions when the ban causes extreme economic hardships for fishermen. 

Environmentalists have argued that the no-fishing designation is essential for revitalizing biodiversity in waters where commercial catches include lobster, squid, sea urchin and various species of fish. 

“There just aren’t as many big fish as there were when our mothers and fathers and grandparents were catching them,” Gregory Helms, a program manager for the nonprofit Ocean Conservancy, said before the vote. “We have the ability to do something about it and hand something down to the future.” 

Sports fishermen against the move wore red T-shirts to the hearing in a show of solidarity. 

“Incrementally, they are taking away our rights a little bit at a time,” said Norm Plott. 

Also in the crowd were people concerned about the loss of their livelihood. Bob Valney said he has been taking people on fishing tours in the Channel Islands for 14 years. 

“This will really limit us,” he said. “It will force me to raise prices. Boat payments don’t go away. Insurance doesn’t get any cheaper. It’s basically choking the industry.”