Duh, it's not because of spearfishing.

[Prodigal Son]

There is an interesting article at DeeperBlue. Here's the link:

http://www.deeperblue.net./newsfull.php/763

I'm so glad a study like this was conducted. I remember talking with a guy working at a dive shop in Laguna Beach who advised me to take up U/W photography rather than spearfishing again. He claimed that spearfishing wiped out the local fish population.

[Dan33]

Of all the fish taken in CA waters, only 1 or 2% are taken by spearfishermen. The bad reputation that we all have is absurd. If a local fish population can't be sustained, then by all means close it. A good example is the Black Sea Bass, which has made a comeback. Last year, when Sheepshead closed, it only closed to recreational fisherman! Once again, close it completely or not at all. Anyone with half a brain can understand that closing species/areas to spearfisherman alone wouldn't make a difference. Anyone who supported that idea would be using us a scapegoats instead of making a real difference!

[DanR]

Well....that's Laguna beach for ya! Interesting info Prodigal, there are lots of factors that are involved here, but we (individual divers) are a much easier target to blame because we have none of the political clout or money that industrial fishing does, and how the heck can you blame nature. keep up the hunt!
dan