Management Plan / Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary

1999 Public Scoping Comments - Organized by Location

Please note that these are raw comments extracted from 7 public scoping meetings (held from June to August, 1999) along with letters, faxes, and emails received during and after those meetings. These comments were edited for clarity where necessary. The 1999 Public Scoping Comments Synthesis of the comments by issue category is also available.

Lompoc Santa Barbara

Oxnard Long Beach

Ventura Washington, D.C.

San Luis Obispo Written Comments

Lompoc

the Sanctuary needs to be proactive about terrestrial impacts on water quality, (including terrestrial runoff on islands and link to non-native species)

the Sanctuary needs to evaluate current military activity and impacts on the environment

better education needed for recreational divers on their impacts on the resources (from both consumptive activities and the activity of diving itself)

the Sanctuary should look at creating artificial habitats from out of commission oil rigs and the sinking of ships

improve education and outreach efforts to better educate the public about the Sanctuary, its boundaries and resources

increase monitoring and enforcement efforts

the Sanctuary should help to improve marine education in the public school system

the Sanctuary should focus on habitat needs (fisheries stocks and the physical/biological habitat) including preservation and restoration

the Sanctuary should work better with other regulatory agencies in managing the resources

the Sanctuary should consider its position with the expanding range of the sea otter

make any Sanctuary restrictions easy and logical for the public

keep access to the Sanctuary open to the public, make it smart and protect the resources for future generations (Top of Page)

Santa Barbara

use adaptive management as the framework for the management plan

increase collaboration between agencies

adopt an ecosystem approach to management

increase and/or establish no take zones to protect biodiversity

evaluate accommodation and impacts of sea otters

evaluate level and effectiveness of enforcement of regulations

conduct a full inventory of species by habitat type, characterize habitats, assess health, look at natural fluctuations vs human impacts - evaluate the condition of the resources from a scientific perspective

incorporate performance standards

address water quality issues including looking at impacts from outside Sanctuary boundaries

evaluate the impacts on the resources from commercial fisheries and consider no-take zones as a management tool

identify and evaluate recreational, military, oil and gas impacts, take steps to limit the uses found to create negative impacts, or mitigate if appropriate

refocus on resource protection rather than use

balance of protection and use based on scientific information instead of emotion (politics)

expand boundaries north to Santa Rosa Creek with goal of protecting biodiversity

study impacts of commercial fishing on the resources

include land use issues in management plan (non-point source pollution, etc.)

improve public education and outreach efforts

evaluate impacts from oil drilling including vessel strikes, pipes, platform blowout, other accidents, potential for increased drilling, impacts on tourism

evaluate commercial fishing impacts: ships and fleets from outside region, impacts of lights on marine mammals, separate impacts from El Nino from commercial fishing impacts, look at the impacts of squid fishing on dolphins and pinnipeds

evaluate the health of kelp, look at impacts from siltation, pollution, run-off, plumes

look at general issues of non-point source pollution

need to focus on research and include participation of commercial fisherman

look at sea otters and the disruption of the ecosystem, the use of mariculture to feed them

look at impacts from increasing population and decreasing resources

consider interconnections of habitats and ecosystem (reduce stresses on the system, examine impacts)

concerned about limitation on access or use of resources, willingness to accept limitations if guarantee continuation of access to fisheries

boundary expansion to include entire channel (safety, efficiency, information exchange, environmental reasons), and Santa Catalina

better coordination of agencies that share jurisdiction over the resources

increase support for Sanctuary by increasing education and awareness

Sanctuary needs to work with Park Service on impacts on marine environment from terrestrial activities on islands (virus in mice, fox hunting, erosion, runoff)

expand boundaries northward because of richness, dynamic province, it may contribute to the Channel Islands ecosystems, strong upwelling components for overall system - threats include development, oil, mining, (even potential threats to health of the coastal zone)

make boundary determinations based on ecosystem perspective

management plan must call for an active role in oil/gas lease agreements/sales

Sanctuary to consider effects of rigs-to-reef on surrounding environments

define more clearly the authorities of the Sanctuary, investigate possibility of accruing greater authority

Sanctuary should partner with coastal water shed and water quality groups

need to understand what happens nearshore and inter-islands ecologically and with regard to water quality

resource management should be based on a thorough understanding of ecosystem management vs species by species management

boundaries should expand to shore to encompass: ecosystem perspective, connection between ocean and land, water quality

Sanctuary expansion should provide forum to merge interest groups and concerns

as part of the management plan review process, maps of the islands and Sanctuary boundaries should be placed on the website with links to other interest groups. Do this to encourage public interest and ownership of the process, include: what Sanctuary is, what Sanctuary does and does not do, maps showing resources, activities and issues. Do this in simple language, clear english, concept oriented

enhance outreach efforts to stimulate public involvement in management plan revision process, foster stewardship

understand dynamism of ecosystems and our role in monitoring, evaluate to result in adaptive management

increase funding to achieve objectives

use CalCOFI data and increase water quality data collection to CalCOFI stations and inbetween those stations (closer to shore and more offshore)

mooring systems for boaters who regularly visit islands (protect kelp and bottom)

better weather reporting (more sites, live cameras on islands, more real-time reports) to improve safety

provide hard copies of current management plan in public libraries

better enforcement and monitoring

northward boundary expansion to protect spawning grounds

revitalizing coastal Chumash culture, question of access to sacred areas (donÖt want any restrictions on access)

concern about threat of oil leases being exercised

marine reserves - for protection of sea otters/macro invertebrates

different jurisdictional authorities need to be identified, Sanctuary needs to have influence

Sanctuary should be coordinating agency for other authorities and needs more regulatory authority

Sanctuary should address water quality issues

Sanctuary should make connections between watersheds and ocean systems through education and outreach

concern about oil/gas leases - include language (to maximize protection of the resources) in the reauthorization of renewal of existing leases

concern about increased use of the area, not more regulation of multi-use (ecotourism)

if the SAC will be dealing with boundary expansion issues, then San Luis Obispo should be represented on Sanctuary Advisory Council

Chumash would like to be represented on the SAC (Top of Page)

Oxnard

interest in monitoring of abalone populations

concern about impacts from military activity and expansion plans (Navy Sea Test Range)

concern about discharge from fishing vessels

education/outreach should be a top priority: more resources and activities, focus on primary schools, expand programs outside of Santa Barbara, teacher workshops, develop this at early age, provide more direct interaction with the marine resources, interpretive enforcement (backed up by law enforcement)

investigate our use of terms such as "resources", "no-take zones"

take resource management out of the hands of the Dept. of Commerce

laws should be made adequate enough to protect the resources

limited entry for divers

no-take zones with limited access demonize certain activities, no-take zones should be absolute, that donÖt let anyone in except for navigation

visitor use should be limited and appropriate such as the use of sea caves where there are nesting seabirds (Top of Page)

Long Beach

concerned about protecting sea otters

opposed to oil and gas development in the channel

concerned about funding - adequate financial resources to carry out mission

concerned about impacts from recreational boaters, more education needed yacht clubs

need to address habitat enhancement for endangered species - should be a priority over human use

need to address the threat that non-native species pose to endangered species

need to take a look at maximum enforcement of regulations

need a comprehensive and complete management plan with research areas - no-take zones and ground truth areas for sampling

need to be strong about what is allowable and what is not

the management should address terrestrial impacts on the Sanctuary - the relationship between human activities in the island watersheds and the effect on the intertidal

enforcement should allow for more than paper protection (need citations, fines, etc.)

concerned about aquaria collectors taking too many resources

need to recruit stewards of the Sanctuary

the Sanctuary needs to engage in "gorilla" marketing (more aggressive self-promotion)

concerned about tanker traffic

concerned about water quality

concerned about the impact of kelp forests from urchin harvest (Top of Page)

Ventura

interested (as a fisherman) what areas may be closed down

interested in seeing increased protection

would like to see water quality issues addressed in management plan

Sea Test Range should be recognized as a use (having impacts on the Sanctuary)

coastal Ventura County is concerned with impacts in their area

need more offshore protection - need to sponsor a new bill for a new Sanctuary between Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary and Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary - concerned about: offshore oil, fishing, would also support expansion to existing boundary

want to see a rotating closure for sea urchin fishery - pollution is the biggest issue, an all out closure would kill the fishery

Sanctuary should take into account and be prepared for significant increase in military activity

Sanctuary needs increase in protection from radar activity and not plan as if the miliary doesnÖt exist

need more outreach and partnerships with agencies, nongovenment organizations, and in particular DOD - look to other more recent sanctuaries and their relationship to Dept. of Defense - be staunch in our own defense

concerned with nearshore water quality: more pressure on fish in islands, plume from Santa Clara river, make CINMS concerns apparent to other agencies

provide more education opportunities for the public

Navy stated that they would be willing to share information on marine mammals, air quality, etc. with the Sanctuary to use in their EIS

interest in authorities and priorities - very confusing: outreach problem - public needs to be educated, need information in a sound bit

expand Sanctuary boundaries - include coast, make as big as possible, more needs to be protected, address coastal water quality issues, boundaries are too arbitrary and don't address threats outside boundaries

otters will cause more conflict with people who rely on the resources, CINMS should be prepared (Top of Page)

Washington, D.C.

need to spell and formalize (including relationships with other agencies) the process for the management plan and marine reserves

marine reserve issue needs to fundamentally be part of the management plan

need to realize impact of extractive activities on the decline of the marine resources (rock fish, giant sea bass, etc)

support for exploring various issues within the issues of boundary expansion - tie to rationale - water quality, oil & gas, critical in EIS to state how boundary expansion will address these other issues

issue of funding and resources if boundary expand, need to develop budget to support

implementing new management plan will require more resources

if you do reach out to the nearshore, suggest you include impacts/events in programs

need to consider runoff from Channel Islands due to erosion

first priority for management plan should be emphasis on activities within current boundaries and why marine reserves are a critical issue

need to consider dynamics of sea otters as functional part of original community in Channel Islands and the roll of CINMS in re-establishing populations (Top of Page)

San Luis Obispo

if CINMS expanded the boundary, what could you do

need to have more oversite of discharge in SLO (two power plants), and monitor intake as well

concerned about development of 40 oil and gas leases off of SLO county

what can the sanctuary do that existing agencies donÖt already do

need local CINMS presence

need to maintain sustainable fisheries

would boundary redefinition change the focus/mission of CINMS

concerned about status of resources on Santa Lucia Bank l marine living resources donÖt know boundaries - are found inbetween sanctuaries, they need protection in all areas

need to create new sanctuary for: 1) local presence and control, 2) Point Conception to Point Blanca, 3) local needs/concerns need to be presented, 4) different environment, need different sanctuary, 5) might want higher standard (stricter regs) for this area

need connection between CINMS and MBNMS

pinnipeds are ³overpopulated² is the sanctuary going to do anything

ban personal watercraft

sanctuary status gives one more level of protection

focus on issues and threats l protection of resources is paramount

oil out - concern about impacts on environment, must extend far enough to include federal leases

allow compatible uses of resources, eliminate incompatible uses

concerned that without prohibiting oil, it will still be allowed

existing plots should be researched before being allowed to be developed

concerned about rigs-to-reefs

citizen action is critical

trust relations with governments, what has both MBNMS and CINMS done since regulation to protect resources

local sanctuary needed to meet and address this communityÖs need

need to define process for local sanctuary

implement and support research projects

slow down oil lease/platform development process

education should be about the resources

general concern for health of the ocean; sanctuaries offer an opportunity to protect; need for comprehensive protection - ecosystem management

if boundary expanded or new one designated, need local office

need community representation

concern that decision making would not occur locally

concern over regulation of kelp beds, concerned the MBNMS regulation of kelp beds could affect CINMS

concern that public will be shut out of regulatory process

international designation of biosphere reserve could increase regulation/authority affecting the stateÖs/countyÖs resources

concern about impacts from commercial and sport fishing

confusion over ³resource protection², what specifically does the Sanctuary do

concern over fishery management and potential for sanctuaries to become involved in this

l would the establishment of a sanctuary stop existing oil and gas leases, new leases

concern over the development of 40 undeveloped offshore leases, is there something that can be done

concern about water quality and non-point source pollution

support for sanctuary designation to address non-point source pollution

need for specific language to address sediment loads and specific sources of pollution, near shore resources have been impacted

need for summarizing of research that decision makers and the public can understand

concerned about harbor maintenance activities being further regulated

concern that fishery regs might be put in place at a later time

concerned about dredging regs that would impact fisheries

concerned that vessel traffic regs may affect fisherman

concern that prohibitions of new structures would affect fisherman

too many stakeholders - not all needs can be met

concern that a local office need to be established to represent local people

concern that reauthorization is a blank check to make changes in the program that would detrimentally affect fisherman

does not believe there are the same water qualities as the east coast

does not support expansion of the CINMS boundaries

support for expansion of CINMS to SLO - sanctuary would offer opportunity to preserve resources

need for comprehensive representation

concern about no take zones in other sanctuaries

concerned about mistakes made by resource managers

sanctuary program would bring in more democracy - increase public involvement in management issues

how would new boundaries be selected or developed

if boundaries extend to shoreline, do regulations apply upstream

how is the public specifically involved in the process to expand CINMS boundaries

will CINMS come back to SLO after DEIS to hear comments

concern about oil and gas development

concern about polluted runoff

concern about motorized personal watercraft

concern about water quality

concerned about commercial fisheries being sustainable

if it isnÖt broke, why fix it, many regulations already in place

lack of education about resources with policy makers

collapse of certain fishery resources in spite of regulations

establishment of no take zones - what are effects on commercial fishing

define role of National Marine Sanctuary Program

will designation change oil leases and discharges

watershed issues - establishing protection for these areas

residents love coastline, looking for mechanism to protect it

concerned about restrictions of commercial fishing in Morro Bay and Avila Beach, want to protect livelihoods

need sustainable fishing resources, regulations are important to protect environment and marine inhabitants in general

need to be careful of selective protection

ecosystem based approach

is there a proposed expansion

we donÖt have to make 1,000Ös of miles of oceans of private aquarium

consider boundary expansion alternative

balance between protection and commercial fishing

need local control an input

stop industrial assault

protection needs to come from existing national marine sanctuary

fishing industry concerned with trust, what does sanctuary do

the following items need action now, not 5 years from now: oil, water quality, unregulated motorized personal watercraft

sanctuary provides umbrella

education of public is important, what is protection

does sanctuary designation improve water quality (Top of Page)

Written Comments

establish the proposed Central Coast National Marine Sanctuary or expand CINMS to include waters from Pt. Arguello to the southern end of MBNMS

need local hearing on management plan in San Luis Obispo County

create a marine sanctuary off the coast of San Luis Obispo

in favor of proposal to create a separate sanctuary for the central coast area

report from commercial fisherman in Oxnard: kelp is bouncing back, sea urchins = lots and a lot of legal picking size - the best in years, sea cucumbers- seeing alot in all sizes, Santa Rosa and Miguel = alot of abalone except where sport divers dive, alot of large sheephead and other fish are larger

support for extension of the area managed by CINMS to include, as a minimum, Santa Lucia Bank area in San Luis Obispo County with consideration to include the intertidal zone from Pismo Beach to Avila Beach

the revised management plan should include a comprehensive, coordinated strategy for protecting resources from water quality impairment (land based pollution), efforts should include in increased public awareness, research and monitoring

develop water quality strategy that includes wastes from boats including ³no-discharge zones²

include provisions for prohibiting discharge outside of Sanctuary boundaries that may impact Sanctuary resources

propose to designate more ecological reserves within the Sanctuary to protect marine biodiversity: maintain key processes in a relatively undisturbed manner, lessen impact of large scale natural disasters, increase understanding of the marine environment, provide research opportunities

'15 CFR 922.71' (exploring for, developing, and producing hydrocarbons), this section should be clarified so that any of these activities will be prohibited. Should also include prohibiting the exploration for, development, or production of minerals.

management plan should stress forming new partnerships with other federal and state agencies, research institutions, local governments, user groups, citizen groups, and others to implement a strategy for restoring and protecting Channel Islands ecosystem

expand the boundaries to improve protection of wildlife from pollution, expanding offshore oil drilling, and other potential threats

add language to Sanctuary regulations to govern the relationship with Dept. of Defense, regs should require all military activities to avoid to the Maximum Extent Practicable any adverse impact to SanctuaryÖs resources or quality

urges National Marine Sanctuary Designation for the Central Coast

a need for a new marine sanctuary covering the central coast area between Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary and Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary

fight against the activation of new offshore oil leases

develop a fishery management program under the auspices of Sanctuary

consider expanding the boundaries of CINMS to include the resources already identified in the draft revision to the site evaluation list or expansion of sanctuary boundaries to be studied as an alternative

boundary expansion of CINMS to include the coastal waters of Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo County

need a permanent sanctuary on the Central Coast as protection from drilling (oil and gas)

no commercial fishing or "taking" of any kind. There must be someplace where nature is truly safe from the wholesale destruction the human race specializes in. . . a place where nature is supreme

extend the boundaries northward into San Luis Obispo County, include the Santa Lucian Bank, a nursery for many marine species and San Simeon where the elephant seals nurse their pups.

extend the northern boundary to include the Santa Lucia Bank to protect an area critical to the life cycles of so many marine species of concern and preclude the imminent threat of new offshore oil development

of uptmost importance is the need for the management plan to maximize the recovery of endangered and threatened species

consider the possibility of extending the boundaries of CINMS northward to include southern San Luis Obispo County and the Santa Lucia Bank

NAVAIRWARCENWPNDIV requests the Sea Range operations that continue to utilize the CINMS waters and airspace above be recognized. This continued utilization is consistent with previous management plans and implementation regulations. These activities are conducted in compliance with all environmental and other regulations. These activities are conducted in compliance with all environmental and other regulations including stringent safety procedures to ensure operating areas are cleared of all civilian air and ship traffic. Significant increases in the types and tempos of activities in the CINMS are not planned.

against all offshore drilling

urge consideration of expanding the CINMS northward to the southern boundary of the MBNMS, this expansion to include the Santa Lucia Bank

urge consideration of expanding the CINMS boundary northward to the MBNMS, this expansion to include Santa Lucia Bank

concerned with nearshore water quality affects the entire region

coordinate with other federal and state agencies to improve nearshore water quality and restore critical habitat provided by the regions rivers and estuaries

concerned about current and future military operations within and directly adjacent to the sanctuary. The impact of this technology on marine mammals

recommend expansion of the CINMS boundaries to have greater control over regional influences that affect the sensitive marine environment

address the impacts of water pollution on the sanctuary and its wildlife

establish a network of sea life reserves to promote biodiversity, improve scientific understanding , maintain some areas of the oceans as wilderness

evaluate the advantages for the ecosystem by expanding the sanctuaryÖs boundaries

improve coordination with federal and state agencies, particularly the Dept. of Defense

strengthen protections from expanded offshore oil and gas development and mineral extraction

coordinate fisheries research

highlight the significant need for increased federal appropriations to support existing and new responsibilities

a plea to either extend the CINMS north to meet the southern edge of the MBNMS (Santa Rosa Creek at Cambria), or extend both to meet in the middle somewhere

we request that an expansion of the Sanctuary boundaries be studied as an alternative and that it include development of a management plan that has quantifiable performance objectives

the Navy objects to any proposed changes in the plan and regulations for the CINMS that would hinder NavyÖs ability to continue to train for combat readiness or test weapons systems in support of National defense

the Santa Lucia Bank off of Point Sal causes upwelling of mineral-rich waters that provides nutrients to the CINMS, this would be an important addition to the ecosystem that is presently being managed with long-term sustainability in mind

marine sanctuary status would help us preserve this area as a renewal grounds for fisheries and the nearshore ecosystem. fisherman would benefit from this in the long term

perception by fisherman that worldwide and local perceptions and concepts are driving fishery management decisions, not actual scientific information

concern about fishing access to the Channel islands area especially regarding the harvest refugia proposal. Constituents want to know whether reserves will be ³no-take² or ³partial-take² such as fishing for pelagic species but not benthic species. They also question how fair it is to keep humans out of no-take zones and not also consider marine mammal impacts.

the impact of marine mammals (i.e., sea lions, harbor seals, sea otters) on coastal and pelagic species (i.e., northern anchovy, sardine, jack mackerel, Pacific mackerel) and recreational fish is a concern. There is a perception that the protection of marine mammals is having a devastating effect on fisheries on some of NMFSÖ constituents believe that marine mammals should be managed.

regarding the Channel Islands, some members of the public think there are enough marine reserves in California.

constituents also want to see economic studies performed on the effects of ³no-take² areas

anecdotal information suggests that squid fishing operations working within sanctuary boundaries is altering the behavior of seabird species that roost and breed on the Channel Islands, resulting in increased nest abandonment and predation rates.

hazardous material spills resulting from activities within sanctuary boundaries, including leaks from commercial and recreational watercraft and spills from oil exploration or development activity could adversely affect many species and their prey bases. Oil spills are especially harmful to the endangered southern sea otter, as contact with oil decreases the southern sea otterÖs natural insulation against temperature loss and can result in hypothermia or death.

the noise and vibrations from the operation of motorized watercraft or other heavy equipment may harass species and impair their ability to feed. This form of disturbance could cause individuals of many species to alter the behavior (e.g., activity periods, space use), resulting in increased risk of predation, reduces access to resources, and reduced breeding success.

disturbance from other recreational or commercial activities permitted within sanctuary boundaries , such as fishing, SCUBA diving, or snorkeling, could disturb species and affect their ability to forage or reproduce.

support expanding the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary to include the San Luis Obispo marine environment

the status quo is simply too risky as periodic attempts are made to open up our coast to greater economic development.

urge you to support the extension of the Channel Islands Marine Sanctuary to our county (SLO).

support for the extension northward of the CINMS to include areas around and including the Santa Lucia Bank off the Santa Maria Basin, this is an area of extreme importance to fisheries and should in no case be exposed to risk by oil drilling and extraction operations by the development of existing lease sites

hold firm for the protection of the marine resources and let the politicians handle the lease issues

I am in favor of expanding the CINMS boundary northward and am willing to dedicate my time and energy toward that reality

because of the biodiversity, it seems the central coast would be better served by creation of a completely new sanctuary, where a management plan can be developed to meet the unique challenges found here

would like to see expansion of the boundaries to Nipono Dunes and Point Sal

the purpose of this letter is to voice strong support for extending the CINMS to include the Central Coast islands

any material oil spill could have devastating effects and damage to these areas both north and south of the undeveloped leases. We strongly urge your CINMS group to sponsor such a study which would be extremely valuable information in getting marine sanctuary protection in this area. And it would be persuasive information for not allowing these undeveloped leases from being developed.

I am convinced that it is extremely important to increase protections for the splendid CINMS. First, a revised management plan should clearly address the impact pollution has on the sanctuaryÖs wildlife and water quality. Second, a revised management plan should establish effective sea life reserves within the sanctuary where human activities are limited and strictly monitored. Finally, it is essential that the new plan will study whether the current boundaries are appropriate to protect marine wildlife of the Channel Islands.

I hope you will consider extending the boundaries of the CINMS northward to meet the MBNMS and eastward to the mainland. The possibility of future oil exploration and development poses a threat to the CINMs. The seismic survey, oil spills and vessel traffic that will result from such exploration and development can cause damage to the ecosystems and disturb marine life within the Channel Islands

support for efforts to increase protections for the spectacular marine life of the CINMS. The new management plan should clearly address the impact pollution has on the SanctuaryÖs wildlife and water quality. The management plan should establish effective sea life reserves, areas where human activities are limited, within the sanctuary and the new plan should study whether the current boundaries are appropriate to protect the marine life of the Channel islands.