Stardust Sportfishing sounds alarm over Marine Protections that could impact local fishing grounds

SANTA BARBARA COUNTY, Calif. (KEYT) An effort to expand Marine Protected Areas has some local sportfishing companies worried about their livelihood.

Stardust Sportfishing and the Santa Barbara Landing are urging people to attend a regional Fish and Game Commission meeting at 8 a.m. Tuesday, May 5th at the Hilton Garden Inn in Goleta.

Santa Barbara Landing CEO and Manager Jaime Diamond said that's when they will talk about fishing off the coast of Carpinteria.

The shop is giving out flyers about the meeting and "Keep Carp Fishy" stickers.

"For our business here Stardust fishing; we take folks to the half day fishing grounds right there off Carpinteria, that is where we take a lot of our first timers, kids groups, Fish For Life, which takes Special Needs kids fishing, that is where we go because it is protected a little more from weather and that is where Carpinterians go because it is our local spot," said Diamond.

She said the proposed Mishopshno State Marine Conservation Area is the one that includes fishing closest to the Santa Barbara Harbor.

Diamond said environmental groups are proposing blanket MPA expansions that will have unintended consequences.

But the Environmental Defense Center supports expanding protections.

They will have a spokesperson attending the meeting on Tuesday.

The EDC said people could still fish off the shore or further out.

Another meeting follows on Wednesday that focuses on marine protected areas by the Channel Islands.

The EDC said that will help marine life included grasses make a comeback.

People may also join a zoom at https://us02web.zomm.us/j/89046108064

For more information visit https://fca.ca.gov