Support Marine Protected Areas

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 and have created three options for a network of marine protected areas.  Proposal 3 was prepared by conservation and science-oriented stakeholders; it includes high quality habitats and areas of conservation priority, promising rapid and profound increases in the number, size and diversity of ocean wildlife.  Efforts are also underway to establish protected areas in Northern California.