Support for Modification of Three California MPAs to allow for Pelagic/HMS Limited Take

This petition is all about making some adjustments to three special underwater zones in Southern California: the Footprint, Gull Island, and Santa Barbara Island. The idea is to change these areas into places called Special Marine Conservation Areas (SMCAs), where people can do a bit of fishing for specific types of fish like pelagic finfish and highly migratory species (HMS). The petition wants to give the green light for activities like recreational fishing, using hooks and lines, harpooning swordfish, and using deep-set-buoy gear. Why? Because these fishing methods won't harm the local ecosystems too much. They mainly target fish passing through during migration, leaving local non-pelagic fish, like rockfish, alone. People have been wanting these changes for more than 20 years, and now, with the right information, there's a chance to make fishing practices more sustainable. If these changes happen, it means we can fish for certain species while still protecting our local underwater world. If you're on board with this idea, please show your support by signing below.