Palos Verdes Artificial Reef Project up for Review in Early 2019

Montrose Artificial Reef Project Opportunity in Early 2019. “No Motor” Tournament in 2 Weeks! © The Sportfishing Conservancy

The Montrose Settlement Project to construct an artificial reef on the Palos Verdes shelf sees slow progress, but still faces hurdles.

The Montrose Settlement Agreement is the outgrowth of a 1990 lawsuit over the dumping of tons of DDT and PCBs into the Southern California Bight. The Settlement Agreement dedicates over 100 million dollars towards restoration of the environmental damage the dumping caused. One facet of the suit deals directly with the local recreational/subsistence fishing community, specifically where NOAA’s national Marine Fishery Service was tasked with heading up the restoration efforts.

To say that their effort, taking nearly three decades, working to construct an artificial reef is glacially slow would be a complement. Like so many bureaucratic agencies whose compensation is tied to hourly wage and not accomplishment, the fish folks have been in no hurry to get the job done. However, there are bright spots: enter Dr. Dan Pondella and crew. Dan heads up the Southern California Marine Institute and is a marine biology professor at Occidental. He has taken the challenge and has actually helped move the needle. However, other hurdles remain ahead including review by the California Coastal Commission in early 2019. Dan and our reef will need support, so stay tuned and plan to give us a hand detailing the benefit of constructed marine habitat when the occasion arises.

Time is growing short for the “No Motor” Tournament in Carpinteria.

On a much more positive note, The Sportfishing Conservancy is proud to bring the 10th Annual No Motor Tournament back to Danny's Deli in Carpinteria on Saturday November 3. The "No Motor" features kayaks, stand up paddle boards, float tubes and surf fishers all competing for top honors and some awesome prizes. Best of all, proceeds from the event are dedicated to Carpinteria Salt Marsh restoration efforts.

Over the years, the "No Motor" has contributed some $10,000 to the Santa Barbara County Trust for Public Land for their work within the marsh. Fishermen and women understand that quality fishing depends on quality habitat like the tremendous resource that the Carpinteria Salt Marsh provides. From forage fish to halibut nursery the marsh is a major contributor to our coastal well-being.

Come join in the competition and have fun while helping to build better local marine resources. Sign up at Danny's Deli (4890 Carpinteria Ave., Carpinteria) or for more information: