The Channel Islands of California are teeming with life and rich biodiversity, but a loophole allowing the use of gill nets to trap ocean wildlife is rankling conservationists. Itay Hod reports.

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The Channel Islands of California, notably Catalina Island, are known for their rich biodiversity and are often compared to the Galapagos Islands of North America due to their vibrant marine life. Recently, conservationists have raised concerns over the use of gill nets in the waters surrounding the islands, which has become a contentious issue. These nets, used by commercial fishermen, are criticized for indiscriminately trapping a wide variety of marine creatures, including fish, whales, and sharks, which threatens the delicate ecosystem.

Cristina Ochoa, a notable figure and marine biologist, is collaborating with the conservation group Oceana to document Catalina's underwater environment. The project aims to raise awareness about the importance of preserving these marine habitats. Jeff Shester, Oceana's senior scientist, notes that despite a decades-old statewide ban on gill nets, a loophole permits their use around the Channel Islands, resulting in high bycatch rates where 64% of caught animals are discarded. Shester describes these gillnets as "walls of death," indicating their lethal impact on marine life.

Conversely, Chris Voss, representing the Commercial Fishermen of Santa Barbara, argues that the ban on gillnets could have detrimental effects on the local fishing industry. He highlights concerns that such regulations could lead to job losses among the few remaining fishermen who rely on this practice. However, Ochoa emphasizes the long-term necessity of protecting marine ecosystems to ensure their continued healthy existence. Her efforts represent a broader initiative to save the Channel Islands' marine biodiversity before it faces irreversible damage.



Tension over conservation efforts at California islands

Catalina Island, just 22 miles off the coast of Los Angeles, is about an hour's journey by boat. Here, rolling hills meet pristine beaches, and Avalon, its only incorporated city, hums with a quiet charm of a bygone era. But to truly understand Catalina's beauty and its greatest challenge, you have to dive deeper. You know, we call it the Galapagos of North America because it is teeming with life. Cristina Ochoa, an actor and marine biologist, is working with a group called Oceana to film Catalina's underwater beauty before it's lost, using her platform to sound the alarm. I think the ocean is nature's masterpiece. Jeff Shester is Oceana's senior scientist. He says one of the greatest threats comes from gillnets, nearly invisible walls of mesh used by commercial fishermen that trap not only fish, but whales, sharks, and other species critical to the ecosystem. According to federal fishery observers, 64% of animals caught with set gillnets are discarded. Although California voted to ban them decades ago, a loophole allows them to be used around the Channel Islands. These nets are basically just walls of death. Chris Voss, president of the Commercial Fishermen of Santa Barbara, says banning gillnets could harm the industry even further. This handful of individuals that are still in this fishery, you're gonna put them out of business. Ochoa sees it differently. If we don't protect this, there's gonna be nothing left. Trading the red carpet for the deep blue, to save an underwater world that's more than ready for its close-up. Itay Haat, CBS News, Catalina Island, California.

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