Carpinteria Reef marine protection proposal advances. Commission's 3-2 vote moves Mishopshno proposal forward, drawing support from Chumash leaders and concerns from local fishing community. * By Michael VanStry * Oct 28, 2026 * 0 The California Fish and Game Commission has advanced a proposal to establish a new marine protected area off Carpinteria, moving forward a plan supported by the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians but opposed by some local fishermen and recreational ocean users. In a 3-2 vote on Oct. 15, commissioners agreed to advance the proposed Mishopshno State Marine Conservation Area for further consideration, despite a recommendation from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife to deny the petition. The decision does not establish a new marine protected area or immediately change fishing regulations. The proposal must undergo additional environmental review and rulemaking before any restrictions could take effect. The proposed conservation area would encompass approximately nine square miles of coastal waters off Carpinteria, including Carpinteria Reef. If ultimately approved in its proposed form, it would prohibit most recreational and commercial fishing within its boundaries, including fishing from boats, spearfishing and lobster harvesting. Recreational hook-and-line fishing from shore would remain permitted. Swimming, surfing, kayaking and other non-extractive recreational activities would also remain allowed. The proposal was submitted by the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians in partnership with the Natural Resources Defense Council and Environmental Defense Center. Supporters say the designation would protect ecologically important marine habitat while recognizing the area's cultural significance to the Chumash people. Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians Chairman Kenneth Kahn urged commissioners to advance the proposal, emphasizing the tribe's ancestral connection to the ocean and its responsibility to protect marine resources for future generations. "Our connection to the ocean is a living relationship stretching back thousands of years, carrying with it a responsibility to protect these waters and the life they sustain," Kahn told commissioners. Kahn described Mishopshno as an important ancestral coastal village connected to Chumash maritime traditions, including the construction of tomols, traditional plank canoes, and the sacred story of the Rainbow Bridge connecting the Chumash people to the Channel Islands. He also acknowledged the differing assessments of the proposal by state agencies. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife recommended denying the petition following its evaluation, while the California Ocean Protection Council supported advancing it, citing potential ecological connectivity and cultural benefits. Kahn said the commission should consider both the scientific record and the area's cultural importance. The tribe already participates in marine conservation efforts, including co-management of the Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary and the Tribal Marine Stewards Network. Kahn said the proposed designation would provide another opportunity to combine traditional ecological knowledge with modern science. Fishing community raises concerns Among those opposing the proposal is Carpinteria resident Jaime Diamond, who owns Stardust Sportfishing with her husband, Capt. Jason Diamond. Their Santa Barbara-based business operates the Stardust and Coral Sea fishing boats, which provide recreational fishing trips along the South Coast. Diamond, who has been involved in opposition to the proposal, said the commission's decision was particularly disappointing because the Department of Fish and Wildlife had recommended denial. "It was very clear that the approval of this in a 3-2 vote was not about the science in the petition," Diamond said in an email to Coastal View News. She said the proposed restrictions could eliminate fishing opportunities around Carpinteria Reef for charter boats, recreational anglers, spearfishers and people who harvest seafood for their families. "If this petition makes it through rulemaking, Carpinteria Reef, Horseshoe Rock, Horseshoe Kelp, and everything from the mouth of the estuary to Loon Point will be closed to fishing except hook and line from shore," Diamond said. "For a community so rooted in its connection to the land and food sources, this causes far more harm than good." Carpinteria resident Ian Thomas, a longtime recreational fisherman, spearfisherman and diver, also opposed the proposal. Thomas said he has spent much of his life fishing and diving around Carpinteria Reef and testified at two commission meetings. "What upsets me is that honestly it felt as if the vote was set before the information was presented," Thomas told CVN. He said he believed some commissioners had already made up their minds before hearing all the testimony. Thomas also expressed concern about the potential effects on Fish for Life, a program that provides fishing trips for children with special needs and disabilities. He said the reef's proximity to shore makes it an important destination for participants who may be uncomfortable traveling farther offshore. He fears that restrictions on boat fishing could eliminate that option for some participants, although no changes to the program have been announced. Tribal harvesting provisions draw questions The proposed designation has also raised questions about tribal harvesting rights and whether exemptions would be available to members of other tribes. Natalie Landreth, an attorney representing the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians and a citizen of the Chickasaw Nation, addressed those concerns during the commission hearing. Landreth said the tribe's request for a harvesting exemption relies on existing California regulations that provide a process for members of federally recognized tribes to harvest marine resources within certain protected areas. She disputed assertions that the proposal would create an exclusive new right for the Santa Ynez tribe, explaining that other federally recognized tribes may also petition for harvesting exemptions. Landreth said the tribe is pursuing a co-management agreement that would allow representatives of non-federally recognized tribes to participate in marine resource management, although that arrangement would not itself establish harvesting exemptions for those groups. Thomas said he remains concerned about equal access, particularly for Carpinteria residents and members of tribes that lack federal recognition. More review required The commission's October vote was a preliminary procedural decision, not final adoption of the Mishopshno Marine Protected Area. The proposal will undergo additional review, including consideration of environmental and socioeconomic effects under the California Environmental Quality Act, followed by a formal rulemaking process with opportunities for public comment. Diamond said she expects the process could take 18 months to two years, although no official implementation date has been announced. "What does this mean today? Nothing," Diamond said. "Nothing has changed from last week to this week." For now, fishing regulations around Carpinteria Reef remain unchanged as the state begins the next phase of consideration.

Green Seal welcomes three new board members and announces board leadership. Leaders in environmental policy, sustainability, & regulatory strategy join Green Seal's Board of Directors as organization elects officers for the coming year. WASHINGTON, DC, UNITED STATES, October 29, 2026 / EINPresswire.com / - Global non-profit Green Seal (R) today announced the appointment of three new members to its Board of Directors: Jomarie Garcia, Esq., David Goldston, and Jean Lupinacci. The new members bring diverse perspectives and extensive experience advancing environmental protection, shaping public policy, and helping organizations put sustainability commitments into practice. Jomarie Garcia, Esq. is a product compliance attorney, currently driving a portfolio of technology and AI initiatives as product owner at WM to scale and grow sustainability and recycling services. Previously, she held product and program leadership roles at technology-enabled product stewardship firms and start-ups, where she provided a legal lens to regulatory strategy for retailers, brands, and certification bodies, helping bring safer, compliant consumer products to market. Jean Lupinacci formerly served as director of the US Environmental Protection Agency's Climate Protection Partnerships Division, overseeing programs including ENERGY STAR and the Green Power Partnership. David Goldston is an adjunct professor at Georgetown University and formerly served as the director of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology's Washington Office, the director of government affairs at the Natural Resources Defense Council, and the chief of staff of the House Committee on Science. "We are thrilled to welcome David, Jean, and Jomarie to Green Seal's Board of Directors," said Doug Gatlin, CEO of Green Seal. "Their combined expertise will be invaluable as we work to accelerate market transformation and make it easier for consumers to buy safer and more sustainable everyday products. Each brings a unique viewpoint and a proven record of turning ambitious environmental goals into meaningful, real-world impact." Green Seal's Board of Directors provides strategic guidance and financial oversight to advance the organization's mission. The three new members contribute complementary expertise to help Green Seal execute its market transformation strategy: Garcia brings experience in driving sustainability adoption among brands and retailers; Lupinacci brings expertise in scaling successful voluntary, market-based environmental programs; and Goldston brings extensive experience shaping public policy and building coalitions to advance environmental progress. The Board also elected officers for the coming year, naming Brenna Walraven as Chair, Courtney Holm as Vice Chair, Jesse Levin as Treasurer, and Vaishali Sampat as Secretary. Together, the officers will lead the Board in providing strategic direction and oversight as Green Seal advances its mission. "Most of us choose a product to buy in a split second, but that choice has lasting effects on our health and our environment," said Garcia. "Having spent much of my career turning complex chemical and product regulations into practical tools for brands and retailers, I've seen how much clear, credible standards matter. I'm excited to help Green Seal make the sustainable choice the easy one." "I feel honored to be joining the Green Seal board," said Goldston. "Product certification can play an important role in protecting health and the environment, and I look forward to helping Green Seal expand its vital activities." "It is a privilege to join the Green Seal Board in a leadership role to help guide the acceleration of safer and more sustainable products in the market," said Lupinacci. "I'm confident in the direction of this dynamic organization and excited to contribute to its next phase of growth and impact." ABOUT GREEN SEAL Green Seal (R) is a global nonprofit committed to making sustainability everyone's business. Products that earn Green Seal certification meet a high standard for health and sustainability - from beginning to end. Hundreds of the world's leading companies carry its certification on their products to quickly signal their health and environmental leadership. Across the marketplace, Green Seal helps buyers everywhere make healthier, safer choices with confidence. Legal Disclaimer: EIN Presswire provides this news content "as is" without warranty of any kind. Chemicals Press Releases do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.

NRDC at Climate Week NYC 2026: meeting the moment. * CleanTechnica By Guest ContributorSep 9, 2026, 7:47 pm58 ptsTrending The environmental community has an opportunity to galvanize action, and NRDC is proud to host a strong lineup of events this year. By Manish Bapna, President & Chief Executive Officer, NRDC Climate Week arrives at a moment of extraordinary geopolitical and economic turbulence. Energy insecurity and rising costs... Read Article Share Article * email * x.com * facebook * pocket * reddit * tumblr * linkedin * pinterest Welcome to EcoTopical Your daily eco-friendly green news aggregator. Leaf through planet Earths environmental headlines in one convenient place. Read, share and discover the latest on ecology, science and green living from the web's most popular sites.