CalOceans News

A sea change for Southern California?

Oceanographer Sylvia Earle has logged more than 6500 hours underwater during her 50 years exploring the world's oceans.  She has seen many changes to plant and animal life over the years, and feels the ocean is now at a tipping point.  The good news, she says, is that we still have a chance to "tip things back in the right direction--if we act now."

The Marine Life Protection Act is our opportunity to create a sea change that will restore depleted sea life and habitats throughout California's coastal waters.  If we follow the science and create a strong, science-based marine protected area network, we can turn things around and leave a legacy of healthy oceans for our kids and grandkids.

In this Los Angeles Times opinion editorial, Sylvia explains why the conservation plan--or "Proposal 3"--is the best choice for southern California's ocean.  It will protect iconic places like south La Jolla, Naples Reef, Point Dume, and Laguna while leaving nearly 90% of the area open for fishing. 

The Los Angeles Times editorial board agrees--they too urge the Marine Life Protection Act Blue Ribbon Task Force to recommend Proposal 3 to ensure south coast waters remain healthy and productive for generations to come. 

Dr. Earle likens marine protected areas to jewels on a necklace: treasured areas where kelp flourishes, fish and invertebrates grow and multiply, and divers, snorkelers, and scientists can glimpse marine life at its healthiest.

Join the Los Angeles Times, along with southern California divers, surfers, educators, conservationists, scientists, and kayakers in supporting meaningful protection for our special ocean places. 

• Tags:
• Marine Life Protection Act
• marine protected area
• South Coast
• marine reserve
• Blue Ribbon Task Force
• los angeles times
• stakeholder proposals