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kelp bass
The loss of kelp and the critical marine habitat it represents has been one factor in the effort to establish marine reserves.

Marine Protected Areas

Process now under way to designate protected areas along southern California's coast

Printable brochure about the MLPA
Printable brochure about the MLPA (Spanish)

Throughout California, critical decisions are being made about the future of our oceans. Southern Californians now have a limited period of time to provide input on which areas along the coast they would like to see protected. Locally, the scope of the San Diego-La Jolla Underwater Park Ecological Reserve could be impacted by these decisions.

Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography, UC San Diego, is collaborating with ocean learning centers in Southern California to increase awareness about a critical decision-making process under way that will determine where to place Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). The process concludes in November 2009.

In collaboration with Cabrillo Marine Aquarium, Ocean Institute and Aquarium of the Pacific, Birch Aquarium at Scripps is offering presentations, outdoor excursions, hands-on activities and online learning resources aimed at educating visitors about MPAs, and inspiring them to get involved in the current decision-making process.

 
The Marine Life Protection Act (MLPA), passed by California legislators in 1999, directs the state to redesign California's system of MPAs to help protect marine life and critical habitats, marine ecosystems and marine natural heritage, as well as to improve recreational, educational and research opportunities provided by marine ecosystems. MPAs include state marine conservation areas, state marine parks and state marine reserves. The state Fish and Game Commission is responsible for implementing the MLPA.

A 20-member Science Advisory Team, which includes Scripps biological oceanographer Paul Dayton, is providing scientific guidance about MPAs. A Blue Ribbon Task Force will seek advice from the scientific team along with input from a committee representing regional ocean-user groups and the public. The group will submit its recommendations to the state Fish and Game Commission in October 2009.

Please visit the links on the right to see a schedule of Birch Aquarium activities about Marine Protected Areas and to learn more about the Marine Life Protection Act and ways to get involved.