State Fishing Restrictions Take Effect Today

The Marine Protection Areas approved by the state Fish and Game Commission in 2010 take effect today. The MPAs of Southern California prohibit or limit fishing in specific sections of the ocean from Santa Barbara's Point Conception to the U.S./Mexico border in an effort to protect marine species. Recreational and commercial fishing groups have criticized the rules.

There are two areas off Point Dume in Malibu that fall under MPA designations. 

"Take of all living resources" is prohibited from Paradise Cove to Zuma Creek, according to the Department of Fish and Game's website.

The area from Zuma Creek to El Matador State Beach has the less-restrictive designation of State Marine Conservation Area. In this area, all fishing is banned except for the recreational taking of pelagic finfish, including Pacific bonito and white sea bass by spearfishing. Also allowed are the taking of coastal pelagic species by round haul net and swordfish by harpoon.

"[Department of Fish and Game] wardens will take appropriate enforcement actions starting [Jan. 1], which could include education, warning, citation or arrest depending on the violation," Fish and Game's website states.

Environmental groups have praised the new rules. 

"The establishment of Marine Protected Areas in Southern California's waters will help safeguard our marine life and coastal heritage for future generations," said Sarah Sikich, Heal the Bay's coastal resources director, following the approval of the MPAs in December 2010. "In the long term, we all are going to benefit from larger and more plentiful fish."

Recreational and commercial fishing interests in California filed a lawsuit last year to challenge the restrictions. It was rejected in October by a San Diego Superior Court judge.

"We feel that the extent to which the regulations were constructed far exceeds what is needed to create a long-term sustainable fishing environment in California," said Bob Brown of the Southern California Marine Association in a February interview with Malibu Patch. "I think that a lot of environmentalists are passionate about saving the environment, but they feel that any human interaction with the ocean is always wrong."

Editor's Note: The original version of this article incorrectly stated the locations of the restricted areas off Point Dume.