The days of unlimited crabbing and fishing access at the marina in Langley may end next week.

Port of South Whidbey commissioners are poised to review and vote on a proposal that would severely restrict or eliminate these activities on the new floats. While the arguments behind the changes have merit, it would be a shame if they carried the day. The marina is a public facility and the fact that it’s now being widely utilized by a cross section of users, not just boaters, is not sufficient reason to so significantly hinder the public’s access. Since both groups pay the bills, the board should instead seek to come up with alternatives that would satisfy both parties.

The board is expected to vote on the proposal at its regular monthly meeting at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 12 in South Whidbey Parks and Recreation District’s headquarters, 5475 Maxwelton Road.

As proposed, fishing will be prohibited entirely and crabbing limited to just nine people per week on the new floats at the marina. Those allowed to crab could do so only with a $10 permit, applied for and awarded via an application process. The rules would only apply to the new floats; fishing and crabbing would remain unrestricted from the wharf but banned inside the wooden breakwater among moored boats.

Marina officials proposed the changes in the wake of years of headaches following the new float’s opening in 2014. Their arrival added over 300 feet of dock space and was phase 1 of what port officials hope will be a larger expansion. The idea behind the entire effort is to turn the marina into a bigger, bustling facility that will lure boaters from across the region.

Though it’s beginning to work, the expansion appears to have been far more successful drawing crabbers and fishers to the marina, particularly the outer floats. The deeper waters are better fishing grounds than the wharf, and it’s become something of a circus during the height of crabbing season. People aren’t following the rules, such as marina hours, are leaving messes, making noise, hogging dock carts and otherwise being a nuisance for staff and boaters. It’s no surprise that officials are proposing limitations.

We think it would be a mistake, however, to let a few bad apples ruin it for everyone else. Yes, the marina was made for boaters, but they aren’t the only ones who pay the bills. The marina is paid for with general fund money, which means that every property owner on South Whidbey is shouldering a piece of the tab. Also, it’s being utilized so widely because many people simply can’t afford their own boat, which makes the marina and its access priceless.

We have concerns about the fairness of the proposed permits — it appears one person could secure multiple weeks at a time — and believe that other issues will already be resolved. For example, staff plan to lock the outer gate to the new floats, which means only paying customers with the code would have access. Hours of operation problem solved. Similarly, a simple padlock/cable might address the dock-cart issue. Finally, perhaps chronic abusers could be barred if necessary.

The point is, the marina has proved itself a precious resource of the public. The commissioners are its guardians/protectors and it’s our hope they search for additional solutions before pulling the plug on this priceless gift.

Editor’s note: an earlier version of this story provided an incorrect meeting start time. The meeting begins at 6:30 p.m.