The “30 by 30” initiative is a global goal to conserve 30 percent of all land and water on the planet by 2030.
In January 2021, President Joe Biden issued an executive order committing the United States to conserve at least 30 percent of lands and waters by 2030. In May 2021, the Biden administration launched the America the Beautiful initiative, outlining how the country can reach the 30 by 30 goal and calling for the states and tribal nations to be the primary driver of 30 by 30 policy throughout the country.
Before national efforts, California was pursuing a 30 by 30 initiative. In October 2020, following the defeat of a state bill that would initiate 30 by 30, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed an executive order dedicating the state to create to a 30 by 30 policy, becoming the first state to commit to the goal.
While ASA lauds the goals of 30 by 30, we have serious concerns over California’s implementation of the initiative and its possible negative impact on fishing.
ASA is one of the original signers of Hunt Fish 30×30, which states that 30 by 30 policy decisions must recognize that hunting and fishing are well-managed and sustainable activities that can work in conjunction with other conservation goals.
In February 2020, California Assemblyman Ash Kalra introduced AB3030 in the California State Assembly, which requires California to protect at least 30 percent of all lands and waters by 2030. ASA opposed AB3030 unless amended, as the language of the bill was misleading and ambiguous and could cause a doubling of no-fishing zones in the state. AB3030 was successfully defeated before it could be signed into law.
Following AB3030’s defeat, on October 30, 2020, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed his Nature Based Solutions Executive Order, which directed the California Natural Resources Agency (CNRA) to conserve 30 percent of California’s lands and coastal waters by the year 2030. The signing of the order made California the first state to adopt a 30 by 30 policy in the United States.
In December 2021, the CNRA released their Pathways to 30×30 California, which states that marine protected areas (MPAs), many of which prohibit fishing, are the only management approach that can conserve marine biodiversity. 16 percent of California’s marine waters are part of the MPA network, meaning that California would need to double its no-fishing zones to meet CNRA’s 30 by 30 goal. ASA opposes this draft strategy and is engaging with the agency on an alternative measure that would protect fishing interests in the state.
In September 2022, CNRA announced 18 organizations were selected to serve 30×30 Partnership Coordinating Committee. This Committee will help the CNRA establish the 30×30 Partnership and foster communication with other organizations looking to coordinate on the state’s policy. Although it is unclear how these members were selected, none of the 18 organizations represent recreational fishing interests.
ASA and our partners throughout California will continue engaging with CNRA to advocate for science-based management of fisheries resources.
As a dedicated environmental enthusiast and an expert well-versed in conservation policies, I can attest to the significance and global importance of the "30 by 30" initiative. My expertise stems from a comprehensive understanding of environmental conservation, policy dynamics, and a deep immersion in related developments and initiatives.
The "30 by 30" initiative, a global commitment to conserve 30 percent of all land and water by 2030, gained momentum when President Joe Biden issued an executive order in January 2021, making the United States a key player in this endeavor. The subsequent launch of the America the Beautiful initiative in May 2021 outlined the nation's approach to achieving this goal, with a call for states and tribal nations to take a leading role in implementing the policy.
Before the national commitment, California took a proactive stance in pursuing the "30 by 30" initiative. Governor Gavin Newsom's executive order in October 2020 made California the first state to officially commit to the goal, even after a state bill for the initiative faced defeat. This commitment was formalized through the Nature-Based Solutions Executive Order, directing the California Natural Resources Agency (CNRA) to conserve 30 percent of the state's lands and coastal waters by 2030.
However, concerns have been raised by organizations like the American Sportfishing Association (ASA) regarding California's implementation of the initiative and its potential negative impact on fishing. ASA, a signer of Hunt Fish 30x30, emphasizes that conservation policies should recognize hunting and fishing as well-managed and sustainable activities that can align with broader conservation goals.
The legislative landscape in California saw the introduction of AB3030 in February 2020, which proposed protecting 30 percent of all lands and waters by 2030. ASA opposed this bill, citing misleading and ambiguous language that could lead to a doubling of no-fishing zones in the state. Fortunately, AB3030 was defeated, but Governor Newsom's subsequent executive order reinforced the commitment to the "30 by 30" goal.
In December 2021, CNRA released "Pathways to 30x30 California," highlighting marine protected areas (MPAs) as a key strategy to achieve the goal. However, ASA opposes this draft strategy, expressing concerns about the potential doubling of no-fishing zones and is actively engaging with CNRA for an alternative measure that safeguards fishing interests.
The formation of the 30x30 Partnership Coordinating Committee in September 2022 by CNRA, involving 18 organizations, raised questions about the representation of recreational fishing interests. ASA and its partners are committed to continued engagement with CNRA, advocating for science-based management of fisheries resources and ensuring the inclusion of recreational fishing perspectives in the 30x30 policy framework.
