Tom Fudge : There have been many alarming studies that point to a serious depletion in ocean fish populations. Most recently, an article in Science Magazine tells us that if current trends continue, all fish and seafood species are projected to collapse by 2048.
The article in Science is controversial, and it’s been criticized as inflammatory even by some environmentalists. But over-fishing is real, and seven years ago concerns about it caused California to pass the MLPA, the Marine Life Protection Act. The act required the state to design and manage a network of marine protected areas where fishing is banned. The first network of marine refuges, stretching from Santa Barbara to Half Moon Bay, is due to take effect early next year.
The marine protection act is controversial with fishermen, and generally popular with environmentalists.Guests
- Vern Goehring , manager for California Fisheries Coalition, which is made up of recreational and commercial fishing associations as well as other businesses involved in the fishing industry.
- Kaitilin Gaffney , central coast program manager for the Ocean Conservancy, which “promotes healthy and diverse ocean ecosystems and opposes practices that threaten ocean life and human life.”
