To: California Fish and Game Commission
P.O. Box 944209
Sacramento, CA 94244-2090


Subject: Letter of Support for Petition 2023-28-MPA

Dear President Sklar and Honorable Commissioners,

As a California resident, I am writing to express my strong support of the proposed Point Sal State Marine Conservation Area (Petition 2023-28MPA) near the city of Guadalupe.

Point Sal is an ecologically rich area in Santa Barbara County that supports a diversity of ocean life and habitats, such as kelp beds, rocky reefs, tidepools, sandy beaches, a migratory whale corridor, an important larval retention zone, and a seabird and sea lion rookery. Protecting this area would have positive impacts that spread beyond its boundaries, helping to keep our coastal waters healthy. Safeguarding this unique and relatively undisturbed area now will help bolster ocean health and promote climate resilience into the future.

In addition, this area holds special importance for local communities. Point Sal and its offshore waters hold historical and present-day significance for the Chumash people, and it is home to stunning coastal bluff trails that are frequented by local hikers and tourists alike to enjoy the remote and pristine natural area. In 2023, coastal tourism brought just over $2 billion in travel-related spending to Santa Barbara County. Protecting this area will help to conserve culturally important waters, support coastal recreation, promote the health and well-being of its surrounding communities, and help ensure Santa Barbara County’s coastal economy thrives for decades to come.

The Commission’s work to protect our state’s biodiversity is critical, at a time when ocean conservation is more important than ever. I urge you to approve this proposal that aims to strengthen the MPA network as a whole, provide additional resilience in the face of climate change, and protect critical marine habitats. Thank you for your time and leadership.

Sincerely,