Group Urges Fishing Ban in 24 Areas

A California task force has recommended the state suspend fishing in 24 areas to protect dwindling populations of sea lions and other animals.

The governor’s Marine Life Protection Act Blue Ribbon Task Force recommended the state ban or restrict fishing in the 24 areas within 3 miles of shore to protect rock fish, sea lions, abalone and birds among other troubled species, InsideBayArea.com reported Friday.

A final decision on whether to adopt the proposal or one of three alternatives will be made in June by the California Fish and Game Commission.

Yosemite and special places on land have been protected for half a century. Now we are protecting special places in the sea not just for the fish, but for the entire ecosystem of the ocean, said Samantha Murray a member of the task force and official with environmental group the Ocean Conservancy.

She said the group, which also included fishermen, educators and others who would be affected by the plan, attempted to craft a solution that would be best for all concerned.

No one got everything they wanted, she said, but everyone got something.