Sent: Friday, April 3, 2020 3:54 PM
To: Sharon Cloward sharon@sdpta.com
Subject: Amended County Health Order
Importance: High
Hi Sharon,
Attached is a copy of the Amended Health Order from the County. Based the flurry of feedback and questions over the last couple of days, we have updated the FAQs on our website, but I have also pasted them below for you to circulate to the tenants.
If I have a boat on the water, (at a mooring, marina, etc.) can I go out on it, fish, sail, etc.? / Is kayaking/stand up paddle boarding on San Diego Bay permitted?
Per the County’s amended public health order, boating for recreational purposes, watersports, or swimming are prohibited on or in public waterways and at beaches. This order is effective as of 12 a.m., Saturday, April 4, 2020 until further notice. Therefore, San Diego Bay is closed to recreation – including boating, kayaking, paddle boarding, and recreational fishing – until further notice.
Remember, the State and San Diego County public health directives during the COVID-19 crisis are for all of us to stay at home. The only exceptions are essential needs. These orders allow public agencies, including law enforcement, to focus resources on protecting public health and safety during this global health and economic crisis.
We understand this isn’t welcome news – we hope it will be for a short duration. In fact, the more we all follow the stay-at-home orders, the sooner we can get back to “normal.” These are challenging times for us all, and the Port appreciates the public’s patience and understanding as we all work together to keep each other healthy and well and to flatten the curve.
Note: Those who continue to participate in recreation on San Diego Bay should be prepared to be stopped and questioned by Port of San Diego Harbor Police. Law enforcement, including Harbor Police, is prepared to issue citations for violations of the State and County stay-at-home orders. Those citations carry a maximum fine of up to $1,000 and up to 6 months in jail.
What if I want to go out to the ocean? Will I be allowed to leave? Will I be allowed to come back? What about my right of passage?
At this time, the channel is not closed, but be prepared to be stopped and questioned by Harbor Police. Law enforcement, including Harbor Police, is prepared to issue citations for violations of the State and County stay-at-home orders. Those citations carry a maximum fine of up to $1,000 and up to 6 months in jail.
Per the State’s stay-at-home order, and consistent with the County of San Diego’s amended public health order, only essential activities are allowed. Water recreation is not considered an essential activity.
Note: This does not apply to those conducting essential commercial activity or to those seeking service at a designated critical infrastructure boat yard.
What if I live on my boat?
Harbor Police will address and consider liveaboards on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration individual circumstances.
Where can I fish if I can’t fish from the piers and the boat launches are closed?/Is fishing from shore permitted?/ Kayak fishing?/ I fish to feed my family. Can I be out on the bay?
We understand this temporary situation will adversely impact local fishing opportunities and are hopeful that it will be for a short duration. Per the County’s amended public health order, boating for recreational purposes, watersports, or swimming are prohibited on or in public waterways and at beaches. Therefore, recreational fishing – whether along the shoreline or on the water – is not permitted at this time.
We understand this isn’t welcome news, but we hope it will be for a short duration. In fact, the more we all follow the stay-at-home orders, the sooner we can get back to “normal.” These are challenging times for us all, and the Port appreciates the public’s patience and understanding as we all work together to keep each other healthy and well and to flatten the curve.
I’m a commercial fisherman. Can I use the launches?
Licensed/registered vessels engaged in commercial fishing, with valid permits, are authorized to use the Shelter Island Boat Launch.
Are the transient boat docks/anchorages open?
All the transient docks are still open as are the anchorages. They are subject to all the permitting requirements and compliance with all the laws and rules.
Any idea or plan for when the bay, parks, beaches, launch ramps and other facilities will reopen?
This situation is fluid and the Port will continue to follow the lead of local, state and federal health authorities at the San Diego County Health & Human Services, the California Department of Public Health, and the CDC, in implementing protocols for public spaces. We appreciate everyone’s patience and will provide updates as we have them at portofsandiego.org/covid19.
Penny Maus
Department Manager, Real Estate
Port of San Diego|
3165 Pacific Highway
San Diego, CA 92101