New Marine Protected Areas Proposed for Southern California

The California Marine Life Protection Act (MLPA) calls for the creation of a science-based network of marine protected areas along the state's coastline. Similar to national parks on land, marine protected areas set aside certain designated parts of the ocean for preservation and protection.  For nearly a year, stakeholders in Southern California have been working to implement the MLPA.  On Nov. 10th,  the five-member Blue Ribbon Task Force unanimously passed a landmark recommendation to the Fish and Game Commission (FGC)  for an updated network of marine protected areas in Southern California.  On December 9th, the FGC and Blue Ribbon Task Force met to discuss the proposed packages of marine protected areas.  You can get involved by sending an email to the FGC in support of a strong network of marine protected areas.  The FGC is expected to make its final determination next summer or fall.

Efforts are also underway to establish protected areas in Northern California.