CalOceans News

Business leaders: Ocean protection is good for business

California businesses leaders have come together to support the timely implementation of the Marine Life Protection Act (MLPA). Over 130 businesses from around the state signed a letter urging the state to prioritize ocean protection, noting that the state's environmental and economic health are closely linked.
 
Patagonia, Horny Toad Activewear, Rieman Surf School, Prudential California Realty, Groundswell Technologies, Inc., Cabrillo Marine Aquarium, SEA LIFE Aquarium at LEGOLAND®, Living Sea Images, Reef Seekers Dive Co., and the K Nathan Gallery in San Diego and more than 100 other businesses urged the state to invest in ocean protection:
 
"According to the National Ocean Economics Program, the California coastal economy is responsible for supporting more than 15 million jobs in 2008 while paying more than $797 billion in wages to those in the sector.  Our coastal economy depends on abundant fish and wildlife, healthy ecosystems, and clean beaches and ocean waters.   Visitors from around the world come to experience the beautiful and bountiful California coast.  They stay in our hotels, eat at our restaurants and spend money on a range of goods and services from postcards to surf lessons.
 
With coastal economic activities accounting for 83 percent of the U.S. economy, ocean protection is good for business. A science-based network of Marine Protected Areas can help safeguard those valuable resources and support the long-term economic vitality of coastal communities."
 
-- Business leaders’ letter to the California Fish and Game Commission, October, 2010.
 
“This broad support from the business community underscores the fact that environmental and economic health go hand in hand in southern California,” said Kate Hanley of San Diego Coastkeeper.  “From tourism to hospitality, restaurants to research, the health of our oceans is critical to the health of many local industries.”
 
San Diego area businesses will present the Fish and Game Commission with over 130 letters in support of the MLPA at their October 20 meeting, and will be joined by divers, surfers, scientists, elected officials, and other ocean advocates urging strong protections for southern California’s coastal treasures.  The Commission is expected to finalize plans for the south coast Marine Protected Area network at their December meeting in Santa Barbara.
 
 

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