Channel Islands Wildlife Dying in Set Gillnets and Research Expedition to Protect Biodiversity

Stronger action is needed to clean up one of California’s dirtiest fisheries

by Oceana

The California Fish and Game Commission failed to address the high rate of discarded ocean animals — like sea lions, seabirds, sharks, and other fish — in the state’s set gillnet fishery. In a 3-2 vote, the Commission went against its Marine Resources Committee members and adopted weak fishery regulations that will continue to put California’s ocean biodiversity at risk.

The regulatory package the Commission voted on during its August 14 meeting included three management measures: setting maximum soak times for nets; setting net height; and requiring gear marking. In particular, changing the maximum soak time could have reduced the number of animals killed by this fishery.  Soak time, or service interval, is the amount of time set gillnets are fishing just off the ocean floor. The longer these set gillnets, stretching up to 20 football fields in length (or 6,000 feet) are passively fishing on the ocean floor, the more animals that die.  A 24-hour service interval would have reduced the mortality of incidentally entangled wildlife by 22-33%. Instead of taking the opportunity to reduce wildlife mortality caused by the nets — with minimal impacts to the fishing fleet — by reducing soak times to 24-36 hours, the Commission enshrined the status quo in regulation, allowing set gillnets to remain in the water for 48 hours. The soak time adopted by the Commission runs counter to the recommendation from the Commission’s own Department of Fish and Wildlife (Department) for a soak time of less than 48 hours to reduce mortality of dozens of species of ocean animals. Similarly, the Commission voted to maintain the current net height.

Additionally, the Commission adopted insufficient gear marking for the nets, creating a harmful precedent that may perpetuate the issue of unknown gillnet entanglements. Often when whales are entangled, the origin of the gear remains unknown because very little gear is uniquely marked. Whale entanglement sightings have increased across fisheries along the West Coast over the last several years, and robust fishing gear marking is an important part of reducing these incidences. If fishery managers know exactly which gear is entangling whales, they can adjust fisheries to reduce interactions. In this case the Commission voted to mark the gear with a simple tracer-line, or streamer, every 120 feet on the top line of the gillnet, leaving most of the gear unmarked and not able to be uniquely identified.

In 2018, the Department and independent scientists determined that the set gillnet fishery poses the highest risk to ocean ecosystems of all state managed fisheries. The Commission’s actions follow years of work by the Commission’s Marine Resource Committee, Department, Oceana and other environmental groups, wildlife rescue centers, and sport fishermen to instate management that could have resulted in tangible protections for wildlife in one of California’s dirtiest fisheries.

“The California Fish and Game Commission missed the mark by failing to implement reasonable measures to reduce injury and death to ocean wildlife in one of California’s most harmful gear-types,” said Caitlynn Birch, Oceana’s Pacific Marine Scientist. “Set gillnets pose threats to the recovery of protected and previously overexploited species such as great white sharks, depleted giant seabass, and tope sharks. Californians have already established they don’t want these nets off our coast and this fishery is among the only California fisheries now on Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Seafood Watch Red List. Yet, the Commission voted not to select a commonsense measure that could have reduced the injury and mortality of countless animals in these nets. Our fisheries must be managed with a precautionary approach, true to the sustainability standards of the state’s guiding fishery management law that protects biodiversity and supports healthy and resilient ecosystems.”

“Impacts to ocean life from the set gillnet fishery in Southern California’s waters have been out-of-sight, out-of-mind for far too long,” said Assemblymember Steve Bennett (D-Ventura). “Current practices are simply not sustainable.  It’s time to broaden the protections in place for ocean life from the impacts of set gillnets. The Channel Islands are ecologically and culturally significant.  We benefit from its biodiversity and beauty, and it is under threat. California must continue to lead on sustainable fishing practices for all who enjoy and make a living from our ocean.”

Background

Set gillnets are used to catch California halibut and white seabass and have the highest bycatch rates of any California fishery by number of animals, catching more than 100 different species such as vulnerable sharks and marine mammals. California set gillnets were originally banned in Northern California waters back in 1915 due to bycatch concerns. California voters passed Proposition 132 in 1990 due to continued bycatch concerns, which prohibited the use of set gillnets within state waters off the Southern California mainland (0-3 nautical miles) and within one mile of offshore islands. In the late 1990s, scientists discovered set gillnets were also killing an alarming number of federally protected marine mammals and seabirds. In response, the California Fish and Game Commission banned the use of these nets off the Central California Coast in 2002. Due to the complexities of these various actions, most Californians are unaware that while set gillnets are banned in state waters off the Southern California mainland (0-3 nautical miles), they are still being used in federal waters, offshore banks, and in state waters from 1-3 nautical miles around California’s Channel Islands, with continued high rates of bycatch.

Set gillnets are the only fishery allowed to incidentally catch and sell great white sharks and giant seabass. These nets also entangle gray whales and endangered humpback whales migrating along the California coast. Last month, the Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Seafood Watch program downgraded the California white seabass set gillnet fishery to its Red List due to bycatch and management concerns, urging businesses and consumers to avoid white seabass or yellowtail caught with set gillnets. More selective hook and line fishing methods are already well-established for catching California halibut and white seabass that have significantly less bycatch and yield higher prices for fish considered better quality seafood than gillnet caught fish.

For more information visit www.oceana.org/keepCAoceansthriving

Ventura Land Trust (VLT) has announced the launch of a community-driven campaign to rename its newest preserve, currently known as Mariano Rancho Preserve. The 1,645-acre property, located in the hillsides behind the City of Ventura, holds significant importance to the organization, as it was the acquisition of this land in early 2020 that inspired the founding of VLT.

Since acquiring Mariano Rancho, VLT has focused on raising funds to pay off the acquisition loan and preparing the preserve for its public opening in 2025. A major milestone was achieved in 2022 when Assemblymember Steve Bennett secured $7.2 million in state funding to support these efforts.

In anticipation of its public debut, the preserve is undergoing extensive evaluation and improvement. Biological studies are being conducted across the property to guide decisions on public access and ecological restoration, including the placement of trails, trailheads, restoration projects, and parking facilities.

“As a science-based organization, we are committed to making informed decisions that will ensure the long-term sustainability of the preserve,” said VLT Executive Director Melissa Baffa. “We plan to manage this land in perpetuity, and the choices we make now must be scientifically sound to protect the preserve and the land trust’s mission for generations to come.”

With the future in mind, the naming of the preserve has become a focal point of the organization’s efforts.

“We believe the preserve’s name should reflect cultural and historical relevance, inclusivity, and be worthy of its place in perpetuity,” Baffa explained. “While ‘Mariano’ may indeed be the right name, we want to give our community the opportunity to contribute to this decision, as the chosen name will resonate throughout Ventura forever.”

The renaming campaign will unfold in phases. The first phase, now open, invites community members to submit up to three name suggestions per person. Nominations will be accepted through the end of October. VLT’s Board of Trustees will then review the submissions and select the top names for a final round of voting in December. The new name will be revealed in February, aligning with Ventura Land Trust’s anniversary.

To participate in the nomination process, visit the Ventura Land Trust website. Each individual may submit one nomination form with up to three name suggestions. Forms with incorrect contact information or exceeding the one-form-per-person limit will be excluded from consideration. The final decision rests with the Ventura Land Trust Board of Trustees.

For more information, visit: www.venturalandtrust.org/marianoranchopreserve/renaminge.

The Ventura Art & Chalk Festival, a signature event in Ventura County, returns this September with more than 50 talented chalk artists and craftsmen transforming Ventura Harbor Village with vibrant color along the waterfront. Scheduled for September 14-15 from 10 am to 5 pm, this year’s festival promises to be a celebration of art, community, and philanthropy.

Presented by Ventura County Art Events, Inc. & Rotary Club of Ventura, the festival is a family-friendly event that invites visitors to watch as expert chalk artists from across California and beyond create vivid, large-scale murals along a seaside promenade. The chalk art will be sprinkled throughout Ventura Harbor Village, primarily along the walkway from Le Petit Café & Bakery to Island Packers, creating a stunning visual experience for all who attend.

Among the featured artists is Greg Wray, known for his iconic work on the Sonic the Hedgehog video game series. Wray will be crafting a Sonic-themed beach scene, inviting spectators to observe his process and, when appropriate, engage with him during the creation.

Activities & Entertainment

Craftsman’s Marketplace: Discover and purchase original works from California artists, including paintings, ceramics, photography, glasswork, handmade wooden toys, and wearable art. Vendors will be set up on the pavement between Andria’s Seafood Restaurant and Brophy Bros. Restaurant & Clam Bar.

Children’s Art Area: Keep an eye out for a dedicated space for children to express their creativity, inspired by the professional artists at the festival.

Family-Friendly Attractions: Face painting, a variety of unique shops, and dining options at Ventura Harbor Village.

Live Music: Enjoy live musical performances from 1-4 pm, providing a relaxing atmosphere for afternoon festivalgoers.

Community Impact

The Ventura Art & Chalk Festival is not just a celebration of art but also a vital fundraiser for local charities. This year, proceeds will go toward supporting free art projects, scholarships, and various charitable organizations within Ventura County. Over the past decade, Ventura County Art Events, Inc. has donated over $50,000 to VC FOOD Share through this festival.

Tribute to Co-Founder Randy Hinton

This year’s festival is dedicated to Randy Hinton, who recently passed away after a brave battle with cancer. Randy was not only a co-founder of the Ventura Art & Chalk Festival but also a passionate supporter of Ventura County’s charities. His legacy lives on through the continued efforts of the Ventura Rotary Club, whose members have stepped up to serve on the newly restructured Ventura County Art Events, Inc. board, ensuring that the festival remains a cherished community event.

“My favorite part of the Art & Chalk Festival are the awe-struck spectators. Nothing is more magical than watching artists create masterpieces, one stroke at a time,” says one of the festivals key organizers, Board Member of Ventura County Art Events, Inc. Valerie Garbe.

These sponsors makes the Ventura Art & Chalk Festival possible: Mathis Wealth Management-premier sponsor, Crowne Plaza Ventura, Rotary Club of Ventura, Tastes & Tales Hospitality Group, Fastsigns, and Ventura County Art Events inc.

For more information, visit venturaartfestival.com.

The Museum of Ventura County (MVC) and Chief Curator Carlos Ortega are thrilled to announce the arrival of internationally known photographer Diego Huerta, whose work has been featured in National Geographic Magazine. Mr. Huerta will be an artist-in-residence at MVC from August 1 to August 31 photographing and creating videos that share the stories, traditions, and art of members of Indigenous groups from Mexico, including Mixtec, Zapotec, Maya, Purépecha, Triqui, Chontal, and more, who now reside in Ventura County.

Mr. Huerta’s photographs and videos will be featured in a highly anticipated exhibition, In Focus: The Mexican Indigenous Diaspora of Ventura County, opening to the public in February 2025 at the Agriculture Museum. For more information about Diego Huerta, www.diegohuerta.com. https://venturamuseum.org.

More than 23 members of CAPS 805, the Ventura County branch of Californians for Pesticide Reform (CPR), traveled from Ojai, Ventura, Oxnard, and Port Hueneme to Shafter, CA, to participate in a California Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) hearing. They called for growers to disclose the exact location and time of pesticide applications.

The current draft of the “Spray Days” statewide notification program only requires indicating pesticide applications within a 1-square-mile area. Farm workers, addressing an audience of over 140 participants—mostly farm workers from Ventura County and the Central Valley—argued that this plan is insufficient without specifying the exact location of applications.

On July 25, the California Department of Food and Agriculture held a Zoom meeting to gather additional public input on DPR’s plan. The public had until August 1 to submit their concerns. The final regulation is expected to be implemented sometime in 2025, with the exact date yet to be determined.

Farm workers and community members assert that without knowing the precise location of pesticide applications, they are at risk of exposure to toxic chemicals. They emphasize the need for this information to avoid contact with harmful fumes. Conversely, ranchers argue that revealing exact locations could lead to interference from activists and pose privacy issues.

Pesticide Reform Organizer Teresa Gomez stated, “We’ve made the journey to Sacramento many times to advocate for a robust pesticide notification system. Our members have participated in a year-long pilot program in a small part of Ventura County and in two state public hearings in our county. Now, as this is the final hearing in California, we are here to make it clear: It’s not notification without exact location.”

The new regulation will impact all farms in California that use restricted material pesticides and will be crucial in determining whether farmworkers’ rights and health are adequately considered in regulatory decisions.