PUBLIC TO WEIGH IN ON PROP OSED MARINE PROTECTIONOFFICIALS CONSIDER LIMITING, BANNING OCEAN FISHING AT POPULAR SPOTS ALONG NORTH COAST

The public has another chance this week to weigh in on proposed marine

protection areas that could limit ocean fishing and other activities in many

popular areas along the Northern California coast.

Point Reyes, The Sea Ranch and the Farallon Islands are just a few of the

places that have come under scrutiny as state officials consider new

restrictions on ocean-going activities.

The goal of the Marine Life Protection Act is to shield critical ocean life

from harm. Work is under way on a plan covering an area from San Mateo to

southern Mendocino counties.

Accomplishing the task has been a monthslong process involving public

meetings, scientific reviews and task forces.

''It's such a complicated process that a lot of people don't really

understand how it works or what it's going to mean to them,'' said Jack

Likins, an abalone diver from Gualala.

The final series of public workshops on the marine areas begins tonight in

Petaluma. Sessions also are scheduled Tuesday in Gualala and Wednesday in

Pacifica.

A final decision on the locations is expected in April.

Participants will be able to interact with the three dozen fishermen,

scientists and environmentalists who are members of the North Central Coast

Regional Stakeholder Group, which is advising state officials.

Each of the five proposals under consideration by the group contains myriad

options that could limit or ban certain ocean-related activities.

Other areas mentioned in the process include Point Arena, Salt Point State

Park, Jenner, Bodega Head, Bolinas and Half Moon Bay.

The size and scope of the protected areas varies widely. Some options call

for banning all fishing near shore while limiting the catch in deeper waters

to salmon and crab.

Likins said he still is concerned that proposed marine protection areas in

The Sea Ranch could restrict safe and public ocean access for abalone divers.

But he praised members of the stakeholder group for advocating their

various positions.

''I think most stakeholders are working very hard and diligently to try and

do what their constituencies want them to do,'' he said.

The state already has designated a network of protected marine areas for

one region, a plan adopted last spring for the south central coast.

Eventually, the state is expected to approve similar networks of protected

areas extending to the Oregon border and including San Francisco Bay.

You can reach Staff Writer Derek J. Moore at 521-5336 or

derek.moore@pressdemocrat.com.