Guest Editorial by Chris Arechaederra, CCA Assistant Director
Late last year, we were all witnesses to the amazing and successful efforts by the fishing community, along with our greater coalitions and partners in all recreational industries all came together to defeat and derail Assembly Bill 3030 (AB3030), which called for 30% of all land, water and ocean in California to be protected by 2030.
Then, Governor Newsom issued an executive order shortly after, designating that California was going to be the leader in the 30×30 efforts for the rest of the country, as well as for the rest of the world. There is some good news though… he recognized the fishing community, and the fact that our industry contributes billions to the economy and employs thousands between manufacturers, tackle stores, landings and boats. In other words, we have a seat at the table.
Just in the last week or so, the World Surfing League and the Surfrider Foundation introduced the “We Are One Ocean” petition, asking their followers to sign their petition to show their support for the 30×30 movement, which sparked quite a bit of a nerve with both our community and theirs. If you are on any kind of social media, chances are you probably saw it and saw others reposting the flawed petition, telling people not to sign it. Since that petition was released, AFTCO has stepped up, asking both the WSL and Surfrider to come to the table and allow us to help them modify the petition with more detail that provides clarity with no blanketed fishing closures and a lack of scientific evidence to support those closures.
