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Tracking NumberDate ReceivedName of PetitionerSubject of RequestSummary sentenceDetailsCategoryLetters of SupportSign-on LinkNOTES
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2023-14MPA11/13/2023David Goldenberg, California Sea Urchin CommissionSea urchins in state marine conservation areasRequests to add commercial take of urchin at eight State Marine Conservation Areas (SMCAs): Sea Lion Cove SMCA, Stewart’s Point SMCA, Salt Point SMCA, Double Cone Rock SMCA, Naples SMCA, Anacapa Island SMCA, Point Dume SMCA, Point Vicente SMCA, Swami’s SMCARequests to add commercial take of urchin at eight SMCAs consistent with 2016 MPA Master Plan 1.1, 1.5, 2.4, and 5.1.
1) Sea Lion Cove SMCA
2) Stewart’s Point SMCA
3) Salt Point SMCA
4) Double Cone Rock SMCA
5) Naples SMCA
6) Anacapa Island SMCA
7) Point Dume SMCA
8) Point Vicente SMCA
9) Swami’s SMCA		WeakenNone
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2023-15MPA11/22/2023Blake HermannFootprint, Gull Island, and Santa Barbara Island state marine reservesRequests that Footprint State Marine Reserve (SMR), Gull Island SMR, and Santa Barbara Island SMR be converted into limited take conservation areas for commercial and recreational take of pelagics and highly migratory species.Requests that The Footprint, Gull Island, and SBI Reserves be converted into limited take conservation areas for commercial and recreational take of pelagics and highly migratory species by any means, and commercial take by hook and line, harpoon by allowed. Weaken25
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2023-16MPA11/22/2023Richard Ogg, Pacific Coast Federation of Fishermen's AssociationsStewarts Point and Bodega Head state marine reservesRequests that Stewarts Point SMR and Bodega Head SMR allow commercial take of salmon by trawl.Allow the commercial take of salmon by troll in the following State Marine Reserves (SMRs) by converting them to State Marine Conservation Areas (SMCAs):
1) Stewarts Point Marine Reserve
2) Bodega Head State Marine Reserve		WeakenNone
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2023-18MPA11/28/2023Greg Helms, Santa Barbara Channel MPA CollaborativeSanta Barbara Channel marine protected areasRequests adjustments to five MPAs in Santa Barbara region. At Vandenberg SMR, create narrow SMCA alongshore for hook and line fishing. At Kashayit SMCA, refine regulatory language to allow for recreational take of finfish, invertebrates, and giant kelp. At Campus Point SMCA, use red to designate map on outreach materials. At San Miguel Special Closure, remove pre-existing special closure. At Anacapa Island Special Closure, allow vessel access/landings at Frenchy's Cove and remove full-island special closure.Santa Barbara Channel MPA Collaborative (SBC Collaborative):
1. Vandenberg SMR: Create a narrow alongshore SMCA allowing shore fishing for finfish by hook and line only.
2. Point Conception SMR: Provide continued support for Marine Monitor (M2) radar, ground-truthing,
and agency coordination
3. Kashtayit SMCA: Refine regulatory language to: “Recreational take of finfish, invertebrates, and giant kelp is allowed."
4. Campus Point No-Take SMCA: Use red, rather than purple, to identify this MPA on maps
5. San Miguel Island Special Closure: Consider removal of pre-existing special closure
6. Anacapa Island Special Closure – Revise to allow vessel access/landing at Frenchy’s cove
7. Anacapa Island Special Closure: Reassess and consider removing the full-island special closure		Weaken
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2023-19MPA11/29/2023Sam Cohen, Santa Ynez Band of Chumash IndiansChitqawi State Marine Conservation AreaRequests establishment of a new MPA between Morro Bay and Cambria: a California-Chumash co-management SMCA referred to as “Chitqawi,” which will allow some types of recreational take and include an exemption from take regulations for Santa Ynez Band of Chumah Indians.The Tribe is recommending the adoption of a new MPA between Morro Bay and Cambria for the Central Coast Region: additional California-Chumash co-management SMCA referred to as “Chitqawi” – the northern most coastal Chumash village site of the territory traditionally inhabited by the diverse Chumash peoples. The proposed new regulations are as follows:
(B) Area restrictions defined in subsection 632(a)(1)(C) apply, with the following specified exceptions:
1. The recreational take of finfish [subsection 632(a)(2)], invertebrates except rock scallops and mussels by hand harvest is allowed.
2. Take pursuant to activities authorized under subsection 632(b)(97)(C) is allowed.
3. The following federally recognized tribe is exempt from the area and take regulations found in subsection 632(b)(97) of these regulations and shall comply with all other existing regulations and statutes: Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians.		Strengthen
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2023-20MPA11/29/2023Sam Cohen, Santa Ynez Band of Chumash IndiansPoint Buchon State Marine Conservation Area and Point Buchon State Marine ReserveRequest that Point Buchon SMCA be designated as a Chumash SMCA and include co-management and include an exemption from take regulations for Santa Ynez Band of Chumah Indians.This Petition submitted by the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians (SYBCI) recommends that the Point Buchon SMCA be designated as a Chumash SMCA that will support Tribal engagement and co-management of the SMCA within the Central Coast Region network.
The proposed new regulations are as follows:
(B) Area restrictions defined in subsection 632(a)(1)(C) apply, with the following specified
exceptions:
1. The recreational take of finfish [subsection 632(a)(2)], invertebrates except rock scallops and mussels by hand harvest is allowed.
2. Take pursuant to activities authorized under subsection 632(b)(97)(C) is allowed.
3. The following federally recognized tribe is exempt from the area and take regulations found in subsection 632(b)(97) of these regulations and shall comply with all other existing regulations and statutes: Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians.		Strengthen - Tribal
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2023-21MPA11/29/2023Rosa Laucci, Tolowa Dee-ni' NationPyramid Point State Marine Conservation AreaRequests that Pyramid Point SMCA be converted to a no-take SMCA with Tribal Exemption for Tolowa Dee-ni' Nation and move boundary to align with California-Oregon border.Remove allowance for surf smelt (Hypomesus pretiosus) by dip net or Hawaiian type throw net; Change to No-Take SMCA with Tribal exemption for Tolowa Dee-ni’ Nation, as stated in E2 of the MPA Collaborative Network’s Regulatory Recommendations (Appendix 2). Change northern boundary to align with recognized California/Oregon state line, as stated in E4 of the MPA Collaborative Network’s Regulatory Recommendations (Appendix 2).Strengthen - TribalSupporting white paper
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2023-22MPA11/29/2023Wendy Berube, Orange County CoastkeeperBolsa Chica, Laguna Beach, Crystal Cove, and Dana Point marine protected areasRequests that Bolsa Chica Basin and Laguna Beach SMCA change the purple designation color to red on outreach map; requests that Crystal Cove and Dana Point SMCA update definition of tidepools to be more inclusive of tide levels; and allow for science-based activities in all Orange County MPAs.1. Bolsa Chica Basin and Laguna Beach no-take SMCAs, change the purple to
red on outreach maps.
2. For Crystal Cove and Dana Point SMCAs, add “non-living, geological or cultural” to
marine resource tidepool take prohibition for consistency with 632(a)1(C).
3. For the Crystal Cove and Dana Point SMCAs, change the description of tidepools to
“rocky intertidal zone” with a modified definition, “the rocky intertidal zone includes all
hard substrate between the highest high tide and lowest low tide.”
4. In all Orange County MPAs, with the exception of Upper Newport Bay, add an
amendment that “Scientific research, monitoring, restoration, and education is allowed
pursuant to any required federal, state or local permits, or as otherwise authorized by
the department.” Upper Newport Bay already has a similar amendment, which is why it
is being excluded from this request		Strengthen14 letters from ~10 orgs
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2023-23MPA11/29/2023Keith Rootsaert, Giant Giant Kelp Restoration ProjectEdward F. Ricketts, Pacific Grove Gardens, and Carmel Bay marine protected areas, and Tanker's ReefRequests that Edward F. Ricketts SMCA, Pacific Grove Marine Gardens SMCA, and Carmel Bay SMCA allowfor urchin suppression and removal activities. This petition will allow certified Kelp Restoration Specialty Divers, recreational and commercial fishermen, to participate in a Regenerative Fishery which suppresses grazing pressure from urchins and promotes giant kelp survival in three State Marine Conservation Areas: Edward F. Ricketts, Pacific Grove Marine Gardens, and Carmel Bay State Marine Conservation Areas and in “Whaler’s Cove”, a portion of the Point Lobos State Marine Reserve. The methods will involve multiple techniques to suppress grazing pressure on kelp and to enhance kelp recruitment and survivorship and are explained in further detail in Blueprint for Kelp Restoration in Monterey.
Suppression techniques:
Hand culling of urchins.
Commercial harvest of urchins for urchin ranching and food sales.
Baiting & trapping urchins.
Utilizing natural defenses of acid weed.
Removing invasive marine algae.

We petition that the Department establish a “Restoration” category in the SCP
process that would allow restoration methods, coordinate with CDFW Research, and establish periodic reviews of restoration efforts, allow for 10-year project durations, and allow take of overpopulating species until the species reaches the threshold density observed pre-marine heatwave of 2014.		Weaken0
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2023-24MPA11/29/2023Mike Beanen, Laguna Bluebelt CoalitionLaguna Beach State Marine Conservation AreaRequests that the Laguna Beach SMCA be expanded southward to protect offshore kelp beds, in addition to tidepool resources.Extend the Laguna Beach SMCA no-take regulation down to the southern border of the
city of Laguna Beach. This area is currently covered by the Dana Point SMCA, which
only protects tide pool resources, not the offshore kelp beds.		Strengthen5 letters + 1 extensive report
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2023-25MPA11/30/2023Burton Miller, Catalina MPA CollaborativeCatalina Island marine protected areasRequests that Blue Cavern SMCA and Casino SMCA change from purple to red on outreach maps; at Casino Point SMCA and Long Point SMCA, remove the allowance for feeding fish; at Long Point SMR, change boundary for ease of enforcement while maintaining size.1. Blue Cavern Onshore SMCA. The proposal is to change the current SMCA (No-Take)
purple color coding to match the SMR red color
2. Casino Point SMCA (1): The proposal is to remove the allowance for feeding fish.
3. Casino Point SMCA (2): The proposal is to change the current SMCA (No-Take)
purple color coding to match the SMR red color coding
4. Long Point SMR: The proposal is to change the type of boundary from a latitude and longitude line to being a certain, specified distance from shore. To maintain overall size, the northeast corner could be trimmed and fitted to the western edge of the offshore boundary to create a standard distance from shore (in a similar fashion to the Arrow Point to Lion Head SMCA).
5. Lover’s Cove SMCA: The proposed change is regarding the Lover’s Cove SMCA. The
proposal is to remove the allowance for feeding fish.		Strengthen0
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2023-26MPA11/30/2023Lisa Gilfillan, WILDCOASTSan Diego County marine protected areasRequests that Swami's SCMA be moved south to provide protections to tidepools; at Batiquitos Lagoon No-Take SMCA , San Elijo Lagoon No-Take SMCA, and Famosa Slough No-Take SMCA, change from purple to red on outreach maps.1. Swami’s SMCA : Our Reg recommendation= Shifting the entire shape South (from the lifeguard tower to State/Solana Beach line to cover tidepool on South side)
2. Batiquitos Lagoon No-Take SMCA , San Elijo Lagoon No-Take SMCA, & Famosa Slough No-Take SMCA: Our Reg recommendation=
changing the purple to red for outreach purposes only		Strengthen0
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2023-27MPA11/30/2023Azsha Hudson, Environmental Defense CenterAnacapa State Marine Conservation AreaRequests that Anacapa SMCA be reclassified as an SMR or at a minimum reclassify the portion of the SMCA from shore to at least 30 meters depth to better protect eelgrass habitat.This petition seeks to reclassify the Anacapa State Marine Conservation Area (SMCA) as a State Marine Reserve (SMR) or at a minimum reclassify the portion of the SMCA from shore to at least 30 meters depth to better protect eelgrass habitat.Strengthen1 science report and 1 LOS with 9 signatories
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2023-28MPA11/30/2023Lisa Suatoni, National Resources Defense CouncilPoint Sal State Marine ReserveRequests the designation of a new MPA, Point Sal SMR between Point Buchon SMCA/SMR and Vandenberg SMR, covering 14.22 square miles with 3.2 miles of shoreline coverage.We propose the designation of a new State Marine Reserve in the waters around Point Sal, Central California to 1) protect this rich and productive ecosystem and biodiversity found within, 2) protect an important larval retention zone and enhance the connectivity dynamics within the region, and 3) enhance the climate resilience of the broader state MPA network. The proposed area aligns with state MPA design and feasibility guidelines provided by CDFW, and is bounded by the mean high tide line, the 3 nm state waters boundary, and straight lines connecting the following points in the order listed:
● 34.880667518 N lat. 120.726433061 W long. (SW corner)
● 34.929894739 N lat. 120.727488272 W long (NW corner)
● 34.930008197 N lat. 120.666597401 W long. (NE corner)
● 34.880979714 N lat. 120.639473286 W long. (SE corner)		Strengthen18 signatories to LOS; narrative includes detailed map of proposed SMRhttps://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScUXx2P0j-Cmn9W6c425zXVR2by-JJn_RKAg8iP_xaYE0POKw/viewform
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2023-29MPA11/30/2023Lisa Suatoni, National Resources Defense CouncilMishopshno State Marine Conservation AreaWith co-applicant Santa Ynez Band of Chumash People, requests the designation of a new Tribal co-management MPA, Mishopshno, located in Carpenteria and covering more than 26 square miles with 6 miles of shoreline coverage.Proposes an additional California-Chumash co-management SMCA in the south coast region to be named Mishopshno, following the ancestral Chumash village located in the area. The proposed MPA would prohibit the injury, damage, take, or possession of all living, geological, or cultural marine resources; and allow for enhanced access to the shoreline and marine resources for traditional, ceremonial, cultural, and subsistence purposes for the federally recognized tribe of the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians, who will work to extend access to other non-federally recognized Chumash people. The proposed area aligns with state MPA design and feasibility guidelines provided by CDFW, and is bounded by the mean high tide line, the 3 nm state waters boundary, and straight lines connecting the following points in the order listed:
● 34.365392908 N lat. 119.6000000 W long. (SW corner)
● 34.419698650 N lat. 119.6000000 W long. (NW corner)
● 34.393513965 N lat. 119.525777354 W long. (NE corner)
● 34.336952256 N lat. 119.525777354 W long. (SE corner)		Strengthen - Tribal18 signaturies; Aligns with Santa Ynez proposal
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2023-30MPA11/30/2023Robert JamgochianTake of crabs in Big River State Marine Conservation AreaRequests that Big River SMCA reduce crab limits and limit gear restrictions. In Big River SMCA make the proposed changes in regulations: CCR, T14, Section 29.80(c). Gear Restrictions for Recreational Take of Saltwater Crustaceans part (b)(1).

Change gear restrictions to allow only Type A hoop nets that are collapsible and eliminate the hoop net Type B option - rigid frame - from general provisions.
(6) Trap Limits: (A) Reduce the number of set traps to 5 from ten. CCR, T14 Section 29.85 - crabs.
(2) Open Season (b) Dungeness crabs (Cancer magister):
Part (3) Limit: Reduce from 10 crab per person to 5 per person		StrengthenMPA CN vetted recs
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2023-31MPA11/30/2023Ashley Eagle-Gibbs, Environmental Action Committee of West MarinDrakes Estero State Marine Conservation AreaRequests that the Drakes Estero State Marine Conservation Area (SMCA) and Estero de Limantour State Marine Reserve (SMR) are combined into a single SMR.EAC requests the Commission subsume Drakes Estero State Marine Conservation Area (SMCA) into Estero de Limantour State Marine Reserve (SMR) to create a single SMR for Estero de Limantour and Drakes Estero.Strengthen2 reports and 5 letters, including one LOS with 9 NGO signatorieshttps://docs.google.com/document/d/1Te8Km6V3j54vHCp3DvaXb8roWugnSxli/edit
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2023-32MPA11/30/2023Ashley Eagle-Gibbs, Environmental Action Committee of West MarinDuxbury Reef State Marine Conservation AreaRequests that Duxbury Reef SMCA be converted to an SMR.EAC requests the Commission change the status of Duxbury Reef from a State Marine Conservation Area (SMCA) to a State Marine Reserve (SMR) because of documented difficulty of interpretation and enforcement of current regulations and the resulting\ large incidence of take. In addition, declines have been observed in marine life abundance and biodiversity. EAC also requests the Commission extend the southern boundary further south and the northern boundary to Double Point Special Closure to increase habitat protections to fully cover the entirety of the contiguous reef habitat.StrengthenReport, 12+ letters from orgs (including national and state agencies) + one LOS with 9 signatories + 150 handwritten signatureshttps://docs.google.com/document/d/140iVFgBY1pTpuT7s8bGqiGDi7XeenCuD/edit
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2023-33MPA11/30/2023Laura Deehan, Environment California Research and Policy Center and AzulMarine protected areas for kelp forestsRequests expansion of six MPAs to protect kelp beds: Cabrillo SMR, Point Dume SMCA, South Point SMR, Gull Island SMR, Point Conception SMR, and Natural Bridges SMR, and requests designation of a new SMR at Pleasure Point in Santa Cruz covering 3.2 square miles. This joint petition from Environment California and Azul requests minor or modest expansions for 6 state MPAs and the designation of one new State Marine Park in order to enhance protections for California’s kelp forests – a critical ecosystem and habitat type that provides myriad benefits for both human and marine communities, and which has experienced significant declines in the last decade due to natural and human-related causes.

In particular, the regulation changes put forth in this petition seek to enhance protections for resilient, stable, and persistent kelp forest patches as identified by recent analyses and peer-reviewed research. Proposed boundary and regulation changes include (see Table 1):
i. Cabrillo SMR - expand westward and northward by 15.2 sq mi
ii. Point Dume SMCA - expand westward by 4.6 sq mi
iii. South Point SMR - expand westward by 26.3 sq mi
iv. Gull Island SMR - expand northward by 1.8 sq mi
v . Point Conception SMR - expand eastward by 14.6 sq mi
vi. Natural Bridges SMR - expand southward by 13.7 sq mi
vii. Pleasure Point, Santa Cruz - designate 3.2 sq mi as a new State Marine Reserve		StrengthenReport, 35+ scientist submitted letters, Assemblywoman Dawn Addis, City of Santa Cruz, and LOS with ~19 signatories, and 2,487 signatures from Enviro CA members
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2023-34MPA11/30/2023Laura Deehan, Environment California Research and Policy Center and AzulEnhanced protections for marine protected areas and enforcement streamliningRequests that Point Buchon SMCA be converted to a no-take SMCA; and modify the regulations of Farnsworth Onshore SMCA and Farnsworth Offshore SMCA to allow only recreational spearfishing within their boundaries.This joint petition submitted by Environment California RPC and Azul seeks to increase the level of protection and help to improve enforceability for three state MPAs. We request that the CA Fish & Game Commission: 1) upgrade Point Buchon State Marine Conservation Area (SMCA) to a no-take State Marine Reserve (SMR) to streamline and enhance enforcement and compliance and increase protection in the face of future stressors, and 2) modify the regulations of Farnsworth Onshore SMCA and Farnsworth Offshore SMCA to allow only recreational spearfishing within their boundariesStrengthenReport, significant scientist and member signature support
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