What is the California Marine Life Protection Act (MLPA) and How it Affects Surf Fishing in California?
Surf fishing is a popular pastime across California. It involves trying to catch fish by casting lines from the shore rather than from a boat. This unique sporting activity is part of the cultural heritage of California, and many parts of the coast are famous for surf fishing spots.
However, marine ecosystems are fragile, and human activities can offset the delicate balance of these ecosystems. Hence, the Marine Life Protection Act was created to safeguard marine life and ecosystems.
But what does this mean for surf fishing? Is the MLPA against surf fishing, or is it actually something that may benefit the sport?
What Is The Marine Life Protection Act?
The Marine Life Protection Act was put into action in 1999. It is a piece of legislation that was drafted by Californian lawmakers to improve the protection of the marine coastline of California.
The principle aim of this act is to establish a network of Marine Protected Areas called MPAs. Under this act, certain parts of the ocean and the coastline are sealed off as protected areas that are supervised by the state. In some MPAs, fishing is completely banned, while in others, it is severely restricted.
By setting aside certain areas as protected zones, policymakers are hoping that deteriorating marine ecosystems will begin to heal. Declining fish populations should also start to recover.
Additionally, the goal is to generate opportunities for conservation and research work. These protected zones also provide space for recreational activities that are sustainable and do not harm the environment.
Lastly, by implementing the MLPA across the Californian coast, the government aims to preserve this beautiful piece of California’s heritage. The natural beauty of the Californian coastline and its unique aquatic life are valuable resources for all Californians. This is why it is so important to protect them so that they can be enjoyed by generations to come.
Is The MLPA Trying To Stop Surf Fishing?
So, is the MLPA actually trying to stop surf fishing? The answer is no. Although fishing is banned completely in some MPAs, many parts of the coastline are actually open for fishing, including surf fishing.
In fact, the MLPA is actually beneficial for surf fishers! Let me break it down for you. Veteran anglers have noticed that it is becoming harder to catch the same amount of fish as in the past. The size of the catch has decreased too.
The biggest reason is that there are simply not as many fish in the sea as there once used to be. Over the years, fish populations have taken a massive hit due to excessive fishing and environmental degradation.
But the MLPA is here to change that. By banning or limiting fishing activities in certain areas, it allows vulnerable fish populations to recover. As the fish population booms in these special zones, the extra fish spill over into adjacent areas which are open to surf fishing.
It’s a win-win situation! MPAs allow sensitive marine ecosystems to be conserved, thereby maintaining the natural biodiversity of the ocean and allowing marine life to recover from intense fishing.
The extra fish spill over into open fishing zones, which means that surf anglers can now catch just as much fish as they did in the past. In the long run, the MLPA has actually proven beneficial for this unique pastime! After all, there won’t be any surf fishing if all the fish in the sea just dry up! So, MPAs actually allow the art of surf fishing to live on by making sure that fish populations do not fall below a set threshold.
Protected Areas and No-Fish Zones
However, there are certain rules and regulations that exist under the MLPA that every surf angler needs to know. As mentioned earlier, certain areas called MPAs are designated as no fish zones.
Before setting out on any surf fishing trip, make sure you take a look at the list of MPAs in your area so that you can avoid places that fall under protected zones. However, if you are unsure if an area is an MPA, don’t worry because all protected zones are clearly demarcated, and a no fishing sign is prominently visible at all such locations.
Another important thing that all surf anglers need to remember at all times is that in California, you can only use a maximum of two rods when fishing from the shore. Also, remember that the daily fishing limit is 10. Your catch can include a mix of different species, but the daily catch size must not exceed 10.
Licensing Requirements
There are certain licensing requirements for surf fishers under the Marine Life Protection Act. Anyone above the age of 16 is required to have a valid fishing license if they wish to surf fish in any part of California.
The only exception is public piers. If you happen not to have a fishing license, you can easily access a public pier in California. Any fish that you catch from the pier is yours to keep. But there is a catch (see what we did there?).
According to the official guidelines, you may surf fish without a license from a pier, but you cannot go down to the beach to land your fish.
If you need to go down to the beach, then you will need to get a license. One way around this hurdle is to purchase a pier net. This handy instrument allows you to bag your fish straight from the pier without having to go down to the beach.
However, some surf fishers prefer fishing directly from the beach. In such cases, we highly recommend that you get a fishing license so that you don’t run into any issues on a surf fishing trip.
Conclusion
That’s a wrap on this guide to surf fishing in California. The MLPA actually helps fish populations grow, which helps surf anglers catch more fish in the long run. As a surf fisherman, just make sure you have a valid license and it should all be smooth sailing on your next surf fishing trip.