On Tuesday, the City Council approved a new pier leasing and licensing agreement that opens up the floodgates to new opportunities for the city’s most recognizable landmark — the venerable Santa Monica Pier. Among the colorful ideas being floated about are the construction of a gangway that would extend into the bay and usher in a retro-era of commercial fishing and aquatic sight-seeing.

Given to the city as a gift from the Santa Monica Businessmen’s Association, the familiar sign over the entrance to the pier epitomizes this city’s proverbial welcome mat to the world; a tangible postcard that draws instant recognition from travelers across the globe. On that sign are the words: “Yacht Harbor, (Sport Fishing) and Boating” — two endeavors not found on the pier since winter storms rendered the breakwater just north of it ineffective.

Chris Volaski, whose family owns and operates Santa Monica Pier Bait & Tackle Co. at the western edge of the pier, says people call her business daily inquiring about boat operations on the pier. After informing them there are none, she in turn refers them elsewhere.

It’s time to stop chasing tourists, sportsmen and locals alike — those in search of high-seas adventure or even a buoyant brunch in the bay — elsewhere when we have all the makings in our own city to provide both leisurely and educational programs via a vibrant and eclectic boat docking station. Plans for the reimagined pier and additional gateway could also include shopping centers that might mirror San Francisco’s Fisherman’s Wharf or Seattle’s Pike Street.

In recent years, the Santa Monica Pier has become predictable, dated and, perhaps most egregious of all, devoid of personality. Yes, there are the amusements and concerts and Drive-In movies, all of which provide ample family-friendly fun and amusement, but the pier’s sea legs have grown tired over the years, with an injection of life and vibrancy and whimsy sorely needed.

We applaud the efforts of City Council and the Pier Restoration Corp., which has for years worked with the community, business tenants and the public to map out a channel towards revitalization of the city landmark. Thinking big and thinking outside of the box is one surefire way to ensure that Santa Monica remains a competitive tourist destination amongst its Southland peers.

Environmental concerns, of course, will play a major role in any new pier goings-on, but the addition of boating can also foster environmental awareness through educational voyages that might work to bridge the disconnect some feel on the pier from the crashing waters below.

We encourage city officials to strike while the iron is hot and not allow bold ideas to drift away with the tide, as they have on various occasions since storms prompted the dissolution of boating and docking. Quite simple, it’s time to seize the moment, and seize the bay. Our neighboring coastal cities won’t be tossing us lifejackets anytime soon.