There's currently a debate raging among California’s sportfishermen, public officials, environmentalists, and researchers. While studies show that marine parks like La Jolla help to protect and increase marine populations, some ecologists (like Parnell) believe La Jolla reserve is far too small to make any substantive increases in the ocean’s biomass. Moreover, some people feel the confusingly-marked parks contribute to poaching; others – including Divester-reader, Bill R. – maintain the park is clearly delineated. There are other viewpoints, as well: sportfishermen fear that increasing the size of no-take areas will ruin their hobby; some researchers believe pollution is a more important contributor to declining fish populations. SignOnSanDiego has consistently impressed me with its efforts at explaining the many perspectives to complex problems; this piece is no different. Check it out. And let’s see what happens to the poachers.
