Marine Protection Zone Proposed in California

"California is turning that tide by creating a series of new 'marine protected areas,' or watery wildernesses where fish can escape the hook and net. By giving fish room to grow bigger and more prolific, the hope is that all wildlife in the sea will benefit, and so will the people who eat them."

"At meetings in Pacifica today and Thursday, state officials get a first look at plans for 'marine protected areas' along 360 miles of the Pacific Coast between Santa Cruz and Mendocino."

"It is the second phase of a multiyear effort to eventually cover the entire coast with zones where fishing is banned or restricted. In the first phase, 29 preserves were created in 2007 between Santa Cruz and Lompoc."

"The process began with the Marine Life Protection Act in 1999, which recognized that fish need protected ocean just as deer and bear need protected forest."

"The idea has been controversial among fishermen, who are reluctant to give up treasured fishing grounds whether they fish for fun or to pay the bills."