New Marine Protected Areas Adopted for Southern California

The California Marine Life Protection Act calls for the creation of a science-based network of marine protected areas (MPAs) along the state's coastline.  The development of MPAs is currently underway in both the North Coast and South Coast.  Members of the North Coast Regional Stakeholder Group - which includes harbormasters, divers, sport and commercial fishermen, seaweed harvesters, tribal and business leaders, and conservation representatives - developed a single, unified proposal of an MPA network from Point Arena to the Oregon border. 

MPA development in the South Coast is complete!  On December 15, 2010 the California Fish and Game Commission voted to adopt 36 new MPA's along the Southern California coast. This victory was the culmination of over two years of organizing and ten years of sustained effort by our local Waterkeepers and a diverse coalition of surfers, anglers, and coastal community members.  Watch KPCC's video series on the two year battle to protect Rocky Point, Palos Verdes, La Jolla and other special places in Southern California.

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