Wednesday August 12, 2026
The Tribune —
Two Native American tribes applied to the state in 2023 to each establish a new marine protected area on the Central Coast — one off the coast of Morro Bay and the other off Point Sal in Guadalupe.
The protections would prohibit commercial fishing in those areas, and the California Fish and Game Commission could soon decide whether to move forward with the proposals.
The tribes wish to protect the environment and manage the land in partnership with the state, while local commercial fishermen urged the state to deny the petitions so they can continue to make a living.
The California Fish and Game Commission will consider the petitions at a meeting on Wednesday.
Should Morro Bay get a marine protected area?
The Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians proposed an 8.45-square-mile State Marine Conservation Area called Chitqawi from Morro Rock to Dog Beach near Cayucos. The petition proposed a ban on commercial and recreational fishing, while allowing the tribe to fish in the area.