A proposed Marine Protected Area (MPA) would limit fishing in Morro Bay from the rock to the dog beach except for members of the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians.
At Tuesday’s Morro Bay City Council meeting, the council voted to send a letter of opposition for the proposed MPA in a 5-0 vote.
Mayor Carla Wixom believes limiting fishing would cause economic harm to the community.
“Because we have so much opportunity in our port along with other neighboring ports for recreational fishing, sports boats to go out, local fishermen who go out in their boats and then our commercial industry,” Wixom said.
Wixom said an alternative proposal is being considered that would involve State Parks, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, and tribal representatives.
"It would allow fishing to still continue in those areas but would restrict any taking of cultural resources," Wixom said.
Community Reporter Valentina Saldana spoke with the YTT Northern Chumash tribe about the proposal.
“So we haven’t taken any formal stance or decision on it,” said Haylee Bautista, YTT Northern Chumash tribe member. “I think that there are always going to be small pieces in aspects of things that can be slightly modified or changed.”
Siblings Edward and Bonnie Pierce of the Salinan tribe shared that their family has been fishing in the area for generations.
“We started abalone diving in 1929, and it was a up-and-coming business, and I was the last one to bring abalones through that harbor right there,” Edward said.
“Remembering territorial boundaries are not what we look at. We look at who and what is the cultural traditions and who oversees and stewards them, and we give that respect," Bonnie said.
Both said it's time for their elders to be involved in the conversation.
“So we need to define not by names, but whose is the territory and the stewards of it," Bonnie said. "We guarantee you and I will say this whole heatedly: Morro Rock is not up for discussion, nor is any of our territory unless we’re in part of that discussion."
“I’ve seen a lot, and I’ve seen a lot of what we don’t want to see," Edward said. "More closures to protect it from who? And for who? This is our homeland."
A decision is expected by the Fish and Game Commission in October.
