California Establishes Marine Reserve Network in Channel Islands Sanctuary State Waters

**Brief Summary:** In 2003, the California Fish and Game Commission established a network of marine protected areas within state waters of Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary, creating 10 no-take marine reserves and 2 marine conservation areas. The designation covered approximately 25 percent of sanctuary waters within state jurisdiction, extending from the shoreline to the three-nautical-mile boundary. The action followed an eight-year community-driven process and aimed to address documented declines in fish populations. **Detailed Summary:** The marine reserve network emerged from a community process initiated in 1998 when a local recreational fishing group recommended establishing reserves to the California Department of Fish and Game. Scientists had documented significant decreases in commercial and recreational fish landings since the sanctuary's 1980 establishment, attributing population declines to fishing pressure and water pollution. The Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary and state agencies formed a federal-state partnership to evaluate reserve benefits extending to six nautical miles offshore. The CINMS Advisory Council, comprising government agencies, industry representatives, and community members, met for two years to develop recommendations. In 2001, the Council proposed network options ranging from 12 to 29 percent of sanctuary waters. Goals included protecting representative marine habitats, maintaining long-term economic viability while minimizing short-term losses, achieving sustainable fisheries, and providing educational opportunities. The California Fish and Game Commission adopted the state regulatory framework in 2003, establishing protected zones within state jurisdiction. Within the no-take marine reserves, all extractive activities and injury to sanctuary resources were prohibited to allow depleted fish stocks and degraded habitats to recover. The two marine conservation areas permitted limited fishing for lobster and pelagic species. This state action preceded federal expansion into offshore waters, which occurred between 2006 and 2007, ultimately creating a network of 11 reserves and 2 conservation areas covering 240 square nautical miles.