Fishing Communities Call for Clarity Before New Marine Closures Advance

PCFFA has been working to convene and facilitate a coalition of California commercial fishing organizations engaged in the current Marine Protected Area (MPA) petition process. Our member associations, along with the Alliance of Communities for Sustainable Fisheries and the California Fishermen’s Resiliency Association, have been meeting regularly, coordinating communications, and participating throughout the regional meetings and public process.

That coalition has now formally submitted a letter to the California Fish and Game Commission requesting immediate clarification on the standards, process, and agency roles guiding the next phase of these petitions.

California’s fishing communities have already adapted to major access restrictions under the existing MPA network, in addition to many other fisheries management closures and regulations. Additional closures carry real consequences for fishing families, coastal economies, domestic seafood production, and the small businesses that support our working waterfronts.

The coalition letter raises critical questions about process transparency, scientific standards, fishery displacement, cumulative regulatory burdens, and whether new closures will produce measurable resource benefits or simply shift fishing effort and abundance across the existing MPA network. Before any additional closures proceed, the coalition is calling on the Commission to clearly identify the standards used to evaluate necessity, effectiveness, and socioeconomic impacts.

This process is far from over. With additional agency recommendations and Commission action expected in the coming months, including as early as August, continued participation from fishermen and port communities will remain critical.

PCFFA will continue coordinating this effort and keeping the fleet informed.