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The loss of kelp and the critical marine habitat it represents has been one factor in the effort to establish marine reserves.
Marine Protected AreasProcess now under way to designate protected areas along southern California's coastPrintable brochure about the MLPAPrintable brochure about the MLPA (Spanish) Throughout California, critical decisions are being made about the future of our oceans. A Blue Ribbon Task Force recently submitted its recommendation to the Fish and Game Commission on how to protect areas along the coast. See the recommendation (PDF). The decision is part of The Marine Life Protection Act, which directs the state to redesign California's system of marine-protected areas (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, provided scientific guidance about MPAs to the Task Force, which also sought advice from a committee representing regional ocean-user groups and the public. Please visit the links on the right to learn more about the Marine Life Protection Act and ways to get involved. |
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