“Stop the 30×30 Closures” Theme Will Kick Off a Multi-Media Blitz
The Coastal Conservation Association of California (CCA CAL) has launched an aggressive multi-media campaign to generate public awareness and political pressure in opposition to the establishment of more coastal no-fishing areas within the development of State of California’s 30×30 plan.
Launching in association with major sportfishing brands during the 2023 fishing-tackle and boat-show season, the campaign kicks off with a “Stop the 30×30 Closures” theme. The outreach program encourages anglers and others to help battle against the potential for 30×30 fishing closures by joining and contributing to CCA CAL, which is spearheading the battle to preserve coastal angling access at the state regulatory level.
The 30×30 process, set in motion by an executive order by California Governor Gavin Newsom two weeks after the state’s legislature failed to pass a 30×30 bill, seeks to conserve 30 percent of coastal waters and lands by 2030. State regulatory agencies have already begun 30×30 planning, and will soon start to draw lines for 30×30 areas along the California coast and offshore islands.
Ten Things to Know About 30X30
1. Marine Protected Areas already cover 16 percent of California coastal waters, one of the world’s most extensive MPA networks.
2. The state’s 30×30 initiative proposes to double the number of Marine Protected Areas in coastal waters.
3. The big-money eNGOs behind 30×30 want to use it as a tool close coastal waters to anglers, including kids and under-served communities.
4. California already has the best managed marine fisheries in the world.
5. 30×30 fails to recognize proven fishery management tools as conservation.
6. 30×30 fails to address critical marine issues such as pollution and runoff.
7. Sport fishing is not the enemy—we are the original conservationists.
8. CCA believes in 30×30 goals of promoting biodiversity and addressing climate change.
9. Closing coastal waters to fishing is not the way to achieve these 30×30 goals.
10. Sport fishing access can and should continue within any new 30×30 coastal areas.
“We know that the state intends to use 30×30 as a tool to shut down more coastal areas to fishing. As the only state organization fighting for anglers’ rights, CCA CAL is committed to ensuring that recreational fishing is included in the state’s 30×30 areas.”
Wayne Kotow, executive director for CCA CAL
“The State of California views anglers as a problem, but in reality, we are the original conservationists with a vested interest in strong marine ecosystems and biodiversity,” Kotow adds. “We are committed to working toward solutions that conserve marine resources and at the same time preserve coastal fishing access. That includes fishing access for kids, for under-served communities, for everyone.”
CCA CAL’s “Stop the 30×30 Closures” campaign will appear in a wide range of media outlets, including print publications, fishing websites, social media, emails, podcasts, videos, displays at tackle-store and sport-boat landings, as well as at this year’s show circuit including the Bart Hall Shows, Pacific Coast Sportfishing Show, International Sportsmen’s Expo, and the Central Valley Sportsmen’s RV & Boat Show.
“To keep California’s coastal fishing open in the 30×30 process, we need everyone’s help to make our voices heard,” Kotow says. “We need every California angler to join CCA CAL.
“You can sign up at the Hall Shows in Del Mar and Long Beach; at the PCS Show at the Orange County Fairgrounds; at the Central Valley Sportsmen’s Boat, RV and Outdoor Show at the Kern County Fairgrounds; and International Sportsmen’s Exposition in Sacramento, with special deals that include free admission to the show
“Look for our ‘Stop the 30×30 Closures’ ads, displays, posts and literature, and visit the CCA CAL website to join,” Kotow adds. “And tell your friends, your fishing clubs and others to join CCA CAL and help preserve coastal fishing access for all California anglers.”
To learn more about CCA CAL, visit ccacalifornia.org
About CCA CAL
The Coastal Conservation Association of California (CCA CAL) was created in 2015 when recreational anglers and outdoor enthusiasts came together to work for the conservation and enhancement of our marine resources and coastal environments. Today, CCA CAL is working to protect not only the health, habitat and sustainability of our marine resources, but also the interests of recreational saltwater anglers. CCA CAL’s goal is to protect your access to the marine resources you cherish and enjoy every day. CCA CAL consists of thousands of members spread across local chapters throughout California.
