ASA Applauds Inclusion of Chumash National Marine Sanctuary in California 30×30 Initiative

The American Sportfishing Association (ASA), the national voice for the recreational fishing industry and the millions of anglers it represents, applauds the California Ocean Protection Council (OPC) for its June 10^th announcement to include state waters within the Chumash National Marine Sanctuary (NMS) as part of California’s 30×30 initiative.

This action adds approximately 191,000 acres of newly protected state waters, moving California closer to its goal of conserving 30% of its lands and waters by 2030. OPC also shared its broader plan, or “roadmap,” for identifying the remaining 8.1% of state marine waters needed to meet this goal.

ASA appreciates the OPC’s recognition that National Marine Sanctuaries, including their state water components, can contribute to biodiversity goals while still allowing for responsible, sustainable activities like recreational fishing. This decision shows how conservation and public access can coexist when guided by science and thoughtful policy.

At the same time, ASA has concerns about the possibility of further closures of state waters to recreational fishing. California already has some of the strongest and most effective fishery management systems in the world, led by the California Fish and Game Commission and the Pacific Fishery Management Council. These systems rely on science, public input, and adaptive regulations to deliver strong conservation results without resorting to widespread area closures.

The OPC’s proposed roadmap outlines four main strategies:

1. Strengthening the adaptive management of California’s Marine Protected Area network,
2. Enhancing biodiversity protections in National Marine Sanctuaries,
3. Supporting Tribally led conservation efforts, and
4. Exploring additional coastal and marine designations that advance biodiversity.

While ASA supports these objectives, we caution against expanding no-fishing zones without clear ecological justification. Broad closures could limit access for California’s almost 1.7 million anglers who already follow strict rules and actively contribute to conservation through license fees, excise taxes, volunteer stewardship, and advocacy.

Recreational fishing is a key part of California’s coastal economy and way of life. Our industry supports 43,000 jobs, contributes $7.9 billion to the state’s economy, and fuels important conservation programs.

As California moves forward with its 30×30 initiative, ASA is committed to working collaboratively with OPC and other partners to ensure this effort balances environmental, social, and economic priorities. We also look forward to partnering on real, science-based solutions to the pressing threats facing California’s marine biodiversity, including untreated stormwater runoff, untreated sewage, toxic algal blooms, aquatic invasive species, and ocean acidification. These are the kinds of systemic challenges that must be addressed to meaningfully improve ocean health.

We thank the OPC for recognizing the value of including state waters in the Chumash National Marine Sanctuary and look forward to continued engagement to ensure a sustainable and inclusive 30×30 future for all Californians.