Protecting Coastal Resources for the Future
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On April 22, 2008, the Marine Life Protection Act Blue Ribbon Task Force finished their review of the three proposals developed by an advisory group of conservationists, fishermen, scientists, boaters and divers. Their final decision was a compromise of three proposed packages, with individual protections for iconic places such as the Sonoma Coast, Point Reyes, Fitzgerald Marine Reserve and the Farallon Islands. The Task Force also recommended special closures to protect seabirds and marine mammals from disturbance.
The Task Force’s final recommendation includes a network of protected areas that is smaller than two of the three options it initially considered, as some coastal sites were dropped or given reduced levels of protection. The end result was a proposal to create 18 Marine Protected Areas, fully protecting 80 square miles (11%) of North Central Coast ocean waters and leaving almost 90% of the coast open to fishing. The Task Force built their compromise around a “middle ground” option that had been created by a coalition of stakeholders. While the final result is a compromise, Baykeeper hopes it will provide lasting protection for our coastal ecosystems and offer a legacy for all Californians.
A Plan to Protect the Coastal Oceans
The State of California is currently deciding which undersea areas along the coast deserve a high level of protection from overuse.These Marine Protected Areas – to be established along the North Central coast from Half Moon Bay to Point Arena – will be underwater wilderness preserves, protecting diverse habitats and allowing fish and marine wildlife to thrive.
We need your help to make sure the strongest plan for protecting California’s coastal ecosystems is adopted. Express your support for the best plan by sending an email to the Blue Ribbon Task Force or by attending a meeting in San Rafael on April 22 or 23. Read below for more details.
Supporting the Strongest Plan to Protect Our Coast
Interested stakeholders have been working since the beginning of 2007 to develop different proposals for establishing Marine Protected Areas. Some proposed packages include much stronger protections than others. Baykeeper, along with a number of other environmental organizations, is supporting the package with the strongest protections for California’s coast: Package 4.
Package 4 assigns the highest level of protection to ecologically significant places like the rocky reefs along the Sonoma Coast, seabird nesting areas at Point Reyes, historic Fitzgerald Marine Park and the Farallon Islands. Package 4 also allows small boat fishermen to have access to the sea to sustain traditional fisheries. Designed with input from local residents, conservationists and fishermen, Package 4 offers California a true ocean legacy. Review the full package here.
Make Your Voice Heard
On April 22 and 23, the Governor’s Blue Ribbon Task Force will choose among the proposed packages and make an official recommendation to the California Fish & Game Commission. We expect that the Fish & Game Commission will adopt this recommendation, so it is vital that the Task Force choose the strongest package.
If you’re able to attend a meeting in San Rafael on April 22 or 23 to speak in support of marine protected areas, please email Baykeeper Staff Scientist Jen Kovecses at jen@baykeeper.org.
You can also send an email in support of Package 4 to MLPAComments@resources.ca.gov. Below is sample text for your message to the MLPA Blue Ribbon Task Force.
Dear MLPA Blue Ribbon Task Force,
I support the network of Marine Protected Areas proposed in Package 4 for the North Central Coast Region of the Marine Life Protection Act. I ask you to select Package 4 as your preferred alternative. Package 4 gets the highest marks from scientists, provides the highest level of protection to special places along the coast, and enjoys support from a wide range of interests.
Marine protected areas, especially fully protected marine reserves, are an investment in the future health of our coastal waters. Scientific studies confirm that marine reserves harbor more and bigger fish and support a greater diversity of life than other areas. Healthy oceans support our coastal communities and our economy. Please give California the strongest possible legacy of ocean protection by recommending Package 4.
Note: Your name and comments will be published on the MLPA website, unless you request otherwise.
Want More Info?
For more information on the Marine Life Protection Act and the different proposed networks, please visit the Department of Fish and Game’s North Central Coast MLPA website at http://www.dfg.ca.gov/mlpa/northcentralcoast.asp.
Thank you for helping protect California’s oceans for future generations!