CalOceans News

A legacy of underwater parks

Last week Good Times Santa Cruz profiled several UC Santa Cruz professors, including Peter Raimondi, professor and chair of ecology and evolutionary biology.

Professor Raimondi serves on the Scientific Advisory Team that helps guide implementation of the Marine Life Protection Act, informing decisions about what areas should be protected to balance conservation with continued fishing access.  Since the Central Coast network of marine protected areas was established in 2007, he has also been monitoring the ocean sanctuaries to see how well they work.

He says in the article: “The MLPA project is really exciting for me not only because it has a scientific component but because it is going to leave a legacy. A legacy of these national parks in the sea.”

In November, Raimondi and his fellow biologists published a study in the scientific journal PLoS ONE which showed that marine reserves help boost fish populations outside of their boundaries, improving fishing conditions in nearby open areas.

• Tags:
• Marine Life Protection Act
• science advisory team
• pete raimondi
• Marine Protected Areas
• marine reserves

Scientists: Marine protected areas benefit fish and fishermen

A new study by Christopher Costello, economist and professor with UC Santa Barbara's Bren School of Environmental Science & Management, provides further proof that ocean protection is a win-win for the economy and environment. 

Costello published an article in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences this week explaining that, with the science available, we can conserve fish and eat them too. 

Marine protected areas, when placed in the hot spots where fish and shellfish feed and breed, can help rebuild fish stocks and boost fishing industry profits.

Costello, who sits on a panel of science experts helping to guide implementation of the Marine Life Protection Act (MLPA), pointed to the south coast MLPA process as an example of science-based ocean protection that would benefit both sea life and people.

He said the excellent information we have about southern California's marine life and habitats means local stakeholders can design marine protected areas that will keep coastal waters healthy and productive for the long-term and keep anglers in business.

The compromise plan for southern California's ocean will do just that--it's good for fish and fishermen, and leaves nearly 90% of coastal waters open for fishing.  Click here to download a map of popular fishing areas that will remain open.

• Tags:
• Marine Life Protection Act
• Fishing
• south coast MPAs
• ipa
• integrated preferred alternative
• sustainable fisheries

Pitch in to protect the ocean

The future of California’s coastal economy depends on sound management of ocean resources, and conservationists and anglers alike recognize the value of smart regulations and effective enforcement. For proof, look no further than two fledgling programs designed to support wildlife protection in California. 

The new Fish and Game Warden Stamp will help fund training and equipment for wardens.  The stamps cost $5, and can be purchased online or at regional licensing offices.  Please consider supporting the state's wildlife protection officers by buying and displaying a warden stamp.

Or, if you prefer to take a more active role, consider getting involved in a local group helping with outreach, education, and monitoring of California's land-based and underwater parks.

On the north coast, the latest region to undergo Marine Life Protection Act
planning, local volunteers have formed a sort of “neighborhood watch for the ocean.”  Mendo Ab Watch is a group of fishermen, divers and conservationists working with the Department of Fish and Game to ensure north coast resources are managed sustainably.

• Tags:
• warden stamp
• department of fish and game
• mendocino ab watch
• Marine Protected Areas
• enforcement
• game wardens
• poaching