Marine life protected areas to include expanded area off La Jolla
La Jolla Light
11/10/2009
Conservation groups were the first to put the word out Tuesday evening that the Marine Life Protection Act Blue Ribbon Task Force voted unanimously to recommend a compromise marine protected area plan that includes areas off La Jolla and Swami's Reef.
Meeting in Los Angeles the five-member task force voted after getting additional scientific information Monday on options for San Diego, Orange County and Santa Monica Bay, according to a press release from San Diego Coastkeepers, the Ocean Conservancy and the National Resources Defense Council.
In the end, the group supported scientists who recommended protections for south La Jolla, Swamis Reef north of Del Mar and Point Dume, the press release noted. But they left out the Rocky Point area off Palos Verdes to accommodate fisherman, the release noted.
"The plan recommended by the Task Force - known as the "preferred alternative" - was designed to balance the needs of ocean users and sea life, and leaves nearly 90 percent of coastal waters open for fishing," the release added.
