As ocean loving coastal residents, we all agree that it is of utmost importance to preserve the integrity of our marine life and its environment. Many of us use the bounty of the local ocean to sustain and embellish our diet, just as did the Chumash and settlers before us.
With regards to the Marine Protection Area, we feel that choosing the inshore complete, and (forever) fishing closure in the Paradise Cove and Little Dume area is very extreme and unnecessary. I have been diving in the area for more than 20 years and continually see the abundance of sea life that proliferate our waters. To say that the marine life is decreasing, is simply not true. The local sea life is abundant! Those that fish and dive know it!
There are several placement options for the MPA, and we feel that the best idea is to position the MPA outside the area of Little Dume and closer to the beaches outside the Headlands, where the public has easy access. This will allow divers and observers to utilize the Preserve, diverting the public from the Little Dume private access, beaches and reefs (the ones that create the surfing spots!) This will decrease pressure on the Point Dume homeowners and Paradise Cove to provide public access.
In order for anyone to continue respectful local fishing and diving, the MPA delegation must be persuaded to choose the option that moves the MPA outside of the Little Dume and Paradise Cove areas.
Shari Latta