Future of Oceanside Sportfishing

The Future of Oceanside Sportfishing and Whale Watching Boats Uncertain

Sportfishing and whale watching boats draw thousands of visitors to the Oceanside Harbor each year, providing a valued source of outdoor recreation and tourism dollars. While it has been a great Summer for offshore fishing and to observe marine life, there is a looming threat facing our harbor craft industry. Even before the sportfishing industry and our coastal communities can recover from their financial losses, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) has proposed cost prohibitive boat engine emission regulations that require technology that has not been manufactured or tested safe on small passenger vessels. The similar technology which is used on trucks and farm equipment has been known to stall engines for hours at a time, and in worst case scenarios, cause fire. On land a stalled engine or fire is a serious economic disruption, at sea it is life threatening to both passengers and crew. “As drafted, the regulations stand to put many, if not most, boat owners out of business,” said Ernie Prieto, owner of Oceanside Sea Center, a local sportfishing and whale watching business. “I am being told that I have to buy new boats as soon as 2023 because the engine modifications mandated by CARB are not structurally possible or safe. No boat owner is in a position to rebuild their business this fast, especially when their existing boats will be deemed illegal and have no resale value in California. The State has found a sure way to decimate sportfishing and deny Californians access to the sea.” So, in July, the Oceanside Chamber of Commerce joined a statewide coalition of business and trade organizations in defense of boat owners. Chamber CEO Scott Ashton wrote the Governor, asking his Administration to work with small business owners to develop air quality regulations that are economically feasible, take into account existing technology and the safety of passengers and crew. “As a community, we share the State’s desire to reduce engine emissions, however, the regulations as drafted will adversely affect sportfishing and whale watching boat businesses, and communities dependent on a strong and vibrant hospitality and tourism industry,” wrote Ashton. CARB is expected to vote on the draft regulations in November. Members of Oceanside’s business community who wish to support local boat owners or write the Governor, can join an online petition at www.savefishing.com.