Point Reyes Light- March 25, 1999

Park aims to ban fishing at Point Reyes sites

California Fish and Game commissioners next Thursday, April 1, will consider closing the Point Reyes Headlands, Double Point, Bird Rock, and Estero de Limantour to both sport and commercial fishing.

The closures, which were quietly requested by the Point Reyes National Seashore, will go before commissioners at 10 a.m. in Visalia, Tulare County.

Already, the Point Reyes Headlands and Estero de Limantour are designated reserves where sport fishing is prohibited. Bird Rock and Double Point enjoy the status of state "Areas of Special Biological Significance" but are not closed to fishing.

The Point Reyes National Seashore wants these four areas classified as marine reserves where no wildlife can be taken. The Park Service is aimed at clarifying state designations and clearly designating these sites as wildlife sanctuaries, said Bill Schook, park chief of Resource Management.

"There is a considerable amount of ambiguity what you can do in marine protected areas," Schook explained. "What we're trying to do is remove the ambiguity....This is a place where the animals can be unfettered, unharassed, and unharmed."

However, Nancy Vogler, an owner of Lawson's Landing campground and marina in Dillon Beach, this week warned that closing Bird Rock to sport fishermen will put boaters at risk.

Fishermen in pursuit of salmon, rock cod, and other fish will be forced further away from the Coast Guard station at Bodega Bay, she explained.

Fishermen launching launching small boats at Lawson's Landing in order to fish at Ten Mile Beach would have to contend with southerly swells and afternoon fog on their return trip, Vogler said, adding that Bird Rock is also much safer for abalone diving than off Pierce Point.

"We feel if the Bird Rock area were closed, we're going to see a lot more boat accidents," she said.

Fish and Game commissioners are scheduled to meet in the Tulare County Board of Supervisors' chambers, 2800 West Burrel. If commissioners take any action on the National Seashore's request, the public will have 45 days to respond, said executive director Bob Treanor.

Commissioners could make a final decision on July 18 during a meeting in Point Reyes Station, Treanor said.

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