Fishery Bulletin: Ecological Effects Of Bottom Trawling On Fish Habitat Along The Central California Outer Continental Shelf (Lindholm et al.)
A collaborative research study funded in part by the OPC, conducted by California fishermen, The Nature Conservancy and CSU Monterey Bay found negligible effects to the seafloor in certain types of “soft” sea bottom (primarily mud and sand) on the continental shelf off central California when using small footrope trawl gear. This study adds to a growing body of literature from around the world showing trawling impacts are context dependent—they depend on the type of gear used, the types of habitats trawled and how often trawling occurs. For more information please read the peer reviewed study here. The study does not imply that all soft-bottom habitats should be open to trawling but that, with new research and technology – there are mechanisms to fine-tune fishery regulations to protect vulnerable habitats while also help to sustain local commercial fisheries.
Workshop: Readying California’s Fisheries for Climate Change
The Ocean Protection Council Science Advisory Team will be conducting a workshop Readying California’s Fisheries for Climate Change on February 25, 2015, from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, at the Elihu M. Harris State Building, Room 2, Oakland, California. This event is hosted by California Ocean Science Trust.
OPC Meeting Schedule for 2015
The OPC has scheduled several regular public meetings in 2015:
CANCELLED Thursday, April 16, 1 – 4 pm
California Energy Commission
1516 Ninth Street, Hearing Room A
Sacramento, CA 95814
Wednesday, July 29, 1 – 4 pm
Natural Resources Building
1416 Ninth Street, Auditorium
Sacramento, CA 95814
Tuesday, September 22, 1 – 4 pm
Natural Resources Building
1416 Ninth Street, Auditorium
Sacramento, CA 95814
Monday, December 7, 2015, 1 – 4 pm
Natural Resources Building
1416 Ninth Street, Auditorium
Sacramento, CA 95814
Dates, locations and times subject to revision–please see http://www.opc.ca.gov/category/meetings/ for the most current information.
Adopted Final Version of “The California Collaborative Approach: Marine Protected Areas Partnership Plan”
OPC is thrilled to announce the adoption of “The California Collaborative Approach: Marine Protected Areas Partnership Plan” (Partnership Plan) at the December 2, 2014 OPC meeting. This plan outlines a partnership approach to managing California’s network of MPAs among state agencies, California tribes and tribal governments, fishermen, non-consumptive recreational users, academics, federal and local governments, and non-profits. The California Collaborative approach is the commitment for all partners to work together in support of a healthy ocean, and to use the network of MPAs as a key feature in that effort. The final adopted version is now available here.
Highlights of December 2nd OPC Meeting
The Council unanimously adopted the “The California Collaborative Approach: Marine Protected Areas Partnership Plan” as an overarching guide for how a variety of partners can engage in marine protected area (MPA) management. The Council also unanimously approved funding of seven competitive grants to provide funds for local and regional vulnerability assessments and updates to Local Coastal Programs to address sea-level rise, coastal hazards, and other climate change-related impacts. Lastly, the Council appointed two members to the OPC Science Advisory Team.
