The state has become the first in the nation to impose a statewide ocean preserve system, which is set to be put in place in phases beginning this summer. When fully established, 8 percent of the state's waters would be restricted from any human use.
"The plan will create a statewide system of connected ocean preserves where fishing and other human activities would be limited or banned."
"The first phase of the plan approved Friday designates 29 offshore areas for protection beginning as early as July. The entire protected area between Point Conception and Half Moon Bay would cover 1,150 square miles and offer some type of protective status to nearly 20 percent of the state's waters off the Central Coast."
"But commercial fishermen say the plan does little more than further restrict their industry."
