CalOceans News

Getting Off On the Right Fin

South coast Marine Protected Areas set for January 1 implementation

On September 15, the California Fish and Game Commission announced
a January 1 effective date for implementation of the new network of
underwater parks, or marine protected areas, in Southern California between
Point Conception in Santa Barbara County and the Mexico border. The plan,
passed by the Commission last December, is part of the state’s pioneering
effort to create a statewide network of protected areas through the Marine Life
Protection Act (MLPA).

The new implementation date will allow the state the time
it needs to review and finalize all the regulations and processes necessary to
put this landmark system of ocean protection in place. The underwater parks
were designed by southern California residents during a two-year public
process, with tens of thousands of divers, surfers, students, scientists, and
fishermen weighing in to ensure the protected zones would cover vital habitat
while allowing ongoing fishing along most of the coast. 

With so many people depending on the health of our ocean,
it is critical the state get these protections right, and that all the
regulations match up to the plans proposed by local stakeholders and approved
by the Fish and Game Commission.  While
we are eager to celebrate the grand opening of the new ocean parks, we
appreciate the state’s thoroughness and care. 

The marine protected areas will preserve local gems like
South La Jolla, Laguna and Point Dume. They will encompass approximately 15
percent of the region’s coastal waters, leaving the other 85 percent open to
fishing.

You can read more about the south coast MLPA process here.

• Tags:
• mlpa
• South Coast
• implementation