Central coast to be model for marine protection

In 1999 the California legislature passed the landmark Marine Life Protection Act (MLPA) calling for establishment of marine protected areas along the California coast. Such areas have been used as ocean management tools around the world for many years to help restore fish populations, protect important marine habitat, and enhance recreational opportunities such as wildlife watching and scuba diving.

By the 1990s it was clear that California's ocean resources were in trouble. Some fisheries had already collapsed, and our state's growing coastal population was increasing pressure on ocean wildlife and habitat. Existing protected areas covered less than 1% of the state's coastal waters and were far too small to be effective. The legislature recognized the need for improved ocean protection.

The initial phase of MLPA implementation is focused on the California central coast (from Pigeon Point in San Mateo County to Point Conception in Santa Barbara County). Planning for the rest of the coast will follow in coming years.

Over the past six months a Regional Stakeholder Group, including divers, fishers, conservationists, educators, and local businesspeople, has been meeting monthly to develop proposed maps of marine protected areas. A Blue Ribbon Task Force established by the governor will review these proposals in March and make recommendations to the Fish and Game Commission, which will make the final decision on which areas of the Central Coast to protect by the end of 2006.

WhatYouCanDo

Now is the time to let your local and state elected officials know that you support the highest level of ocean protection. It is particularly important to let Governor Schwarzenegger know that you support the MLPA; write to him at:

State Capitol
Sacramento, CA 95814.

Reprinted with permission from The Ventana, magazine of the Ventana Chapter of the Sierra Club, Vol. 44, No. 6.