The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences awarded a regional Emmy for children's programming on Saturday to the Laguna Ocean Foundation's "Tidepool Scene" video, produced by Barnstormer Productions and the Laguna Beach Visitors & Conference Bureau.

Click here to read more...

It has been quite a busy summer for all of us involved with the MLPA Initiative in the south coast study region. We are delighted to report that earlier this summer more than 900 people attended the eight evening open houses held over a period of two weeks. The open houses provided the public an opportunity to review and comment on the six different "Round 2" draft proposals, resulting in more than 800 comments, suggestions and ideas that will help guide the stakeholder group members as they move into the third and final round of MPA proposal development. This level of public interest (and passion) is exactly what we had hoped for, as it will help ensure we devise the best possible outcome for our shared coastal resources.

Within each MLPA Initiative group, the wheels continue to turn as well. The science advisory team has been diligently conducting scientific evaluations, the blue ribbon task force has provided guidance for the development of Round 3 proposals (see FAQ below for more details), and the members of the regional stakeholder group continue to demonstrate their dedication and willingness to collaborate, even when finding "middle ground" seems challenging.

In addition to all the activity in the south coast study region, the last few months also saw the beginning and ending of the planning process in two other study regions. In June, we began initial outreach efforts and collaborative data collection in the north coast study region. And on August 5, the California Fish and Game Commission adopted the blue ribbon task force's "Integrated Preferred Alternative" for the north central coast study region, bringing a two-and-a-half year, intensive, stakeholder process to conclusion.

As we prepare to move into the home stretch in the south coast, I am pleased to announce the appointment of Cathy Reheis-Boyd as the new chair of thetask force. We are excited to continue the planning process under Cathy's leadership, and extend our most heartfelt thanks to former Chair Don Benninghoven for his tireless efforts.

~Ken Wiseman, Executive Director

A complete list of upcoming meeting dates through December 2009 can be found on the MLPA Initiative website.<http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=40724391&msgid=588038&act=SGZN&c=309084&admin=0&destination=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dfg.ca.gov%2Fmlpa%2Fmeetings_sc.asp>

Blue Ribbon Task Force
July 28 & 29, 2009 Agenda & Meeting Materials
<http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=40724391&msgid=588038&act=SGZN&c=309084&admin=0&destination=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dfg.ca.gov%2Fmlpa%2Fmeeting_072809.asp> On July 28-29, the MLPA Blue Ribbon Task Force (BRTF) held its ninth public meeting at the Sheraton Delphina in Santa Monica. This meeting focused on the outcomes of the Round 2 marine protected area (MPA) proposals. The task force received the following:

* Evaluations of draft and revised MPA proposals from the MLPA Master Plan Science Advisory Team (SAT), California Department of Fish and Game (DFG), California Department of Parks and Recreation and MLPA staff.

* An interactive stakeholder panel provided overviews of draft and revised MPA proposals and insights into specific geographies within the MLPA South Coast Study Region. This panel consisted of work groups of the MLPA South Coast Regional Stakeholder Group (SCRSG) and from groups external to the SCRSG process.

The task force subsequently provided verbal guidance to the SCRSG for developing Round 3 MPA proposals. Lastly, the task force approved the revised 2008-2011 MLPA Initiative budget.

The task force will meet again October 20-22 in Long Beach to receive the final SCRSG MPA proposals and evaluations for the south coast and to develop recommendations to deliver to the California Fish and Game Commission in December.

Science Advisory Team
<http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=40724391&msgid=588038&act=SGZN&c=309084&admin=0&destination=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dfg.ca.gov%2Fmlpa%2Fmeeting_061809.asp>The next SAT meeting is scheduled for October 6 to review, discuss, and potentially approve evaluations of Round 3 SCRSG MPA proposals. In the interim, DFG is reviewing nominations for potential SAT members in the north coast study region. An announcement of the new SAT membership is expected in late September or early October; following this announcement, a joint meeting will be held between SAT members for the south coast and north coast to share lessons learned and discuss preliminary work, such as defining bioregions and refining the list of species likely to benefit from MPAs.

South Coast Regional Stakeholder Group
August 3 , 2009 Agenda & Meeting Materials
<http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=40724391&msgid=588038&act=SGZN&c=309084&admin=0&destination=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dfg.ca.gov%2Fmlpa%2Fmeeting_080309.asp> On August 3, the MLPA South Coast Regional Stakeholder Group (SCRSG) participated in its seventh meeting in Carlsbad, CA, marking the start of Round 3 of marine protected area (MPA) proposal development. During this meeting, SCRSG members were placed into three new work groups - work groups #1, #2 and #3 with each assigned a specific proposal (Topaz, External A and Lapis 1, respectively) - as a starting point for deliberations. This meeting also provided:

* Guidance from the MLPA Blue Ribbon Task Force on Round 3 MPA proposal development. The task force emphasized the need to meet MLPA Master Plan Science Advisory Team (SAT) and DFG feasibility guidelines where possible. In those rare exceptions where work groups chose not to meet SAT and DFG guidelines, SCRSG members should be explicit about the tradeoffs and the decisions reached on which guidelines or interests were intended to be met with the placement of a given MPA.

* SAT evaluations of each of the six Round 2 MPA proposals including: size and spacing, habitat representation and replication, bioeconomic modeling, marine birds and mammals, and results from the Ecotrust analysis of socioeconomic impacts to commercial and recreational fisheries.

* Evaluation of Round 2 MPA proposals with respect to DFG's feasibility guidelines for developing MPA designs, regulations and boundaries.

* Evalution of Round 2 MPA proposals with respect to the California Department of Parks and Recreation's guidelines for developing MPAs as well as a staff evaluation for meeting goal 3 of the MLPA.

The SCRSG will hold its next work session in Los Angeles on September 9, 2009 to continue development of MPA proposals for each work group. The work session will be followed by a meeting in Los Angeles on September 9-10, 2009 where the SCRSG work groups will finalize their Round 3 MPA proposals.

Public Meetings
All meetings are open to the public and are also simultaneously webcast on the day of the meeting on the MLPA Initiative website<http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=40724391&msgid=588038&act=SGZN&c=309084&admin=0&destination=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dfg.ca.gov%2Fmlpa%2Fmeetings_sc.asp>. Open houses, workshops and work sessions are not videotaped or webcast.

Wednesday, September 9 & Thursday, September 10 , 2009
South Coast Regional Stakeholder Group
Sheraton Gateway Los Angeles
6101 West Century Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90045
September 9: Work Session at 8:30 a.m. and meeting at 7:00 p.m.
September 10: Meeting at 8:00 a.m.

Tuesday, October 6, 2009 Joint meeting with the Master Plan Science Advisory Team
for the MLPA North Coast Study Region
Los Angeles area
9:30 a.m.

Tuesday, October 20, Wednesday, October 21 &
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Blue Ribbon Task Force (will be joined by the members of the South Coast Regional Stakeholder Group)
Hilton Long Beach & Executive Meeting Center
701 West Ocean Blvd.
Long Beach, CA 90831
October 20: 1:30
October 21: 8:30 a.m.
October 22: 8:30 a.m.

*Work sessions are not videotaped and do not include a formal public comment period; members of the public are welcome to attend as observers.

All meeting agendas are posted to the MLPA website<http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=40724391&msgid=588038&act=SGZN&c=309084&admin=0&destination=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dfg.ca.gov%2Fmlpa%2Fmeetings_sc.asp> at least a week in advance of the meeting. Meeting materials are posted as soon as they become available. In addition to the simultaneous live webcast of meetings, the video and audio archives are posted to the website within two days of each meeting.

How will the SCRSG work groups build upon their existing work to develop Round 3 draft proposals?
On July 29, 2009, the MLPA Initiative Blue Ribbon Task Force (BRTF) accepted a staff recommendation for identifying three of the Round 2 marine protected area (MPA) proposals to serve as "platforms" for developing MPA proposals development in Round 3. The staff recommendation further suggested that the SCRSG members be assigned to each of the three platforms based on a number of criteria, including stakeholder preference, creation of "safe harbor" for interests represented on the SCRSG, and responsiveness to BRTF guidance to generate MPA proposals that better meet the goals of the MLPA. Members of the three platforms received the following direction:

* All work groups: Directed to improve achievement of SAT guidelines, better conform to DFG feasibility criteria, and garner cross-interest support.

* Work group 1 direction: Continue to achieve a high level of cross-interest support and improve achievement of SAT guidelines.

* Work group 2 direction: Continue to seek efficiency of MPA design and improve achievement of SAT guidelines.

* Work group 3 direction: Continue to address SAT guidelines and strive to achieve preferred SAT guidelines.

The three platforms
(Topaz<http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=40724391&msgid=588038&act=SGZN&c=309084&admin=0&destination=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dfg.ca.gov%2Fmlpa%2Fscrsg-dprops-r2.asp%23topaz>, External Proposal A<http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=40724391&msgid=588038&act=SGZN&c=309084&admin=0&destination=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dfg.ca.gov%2Fmlpa%2Fscrsg-dprops-r2.asp%23propa> and Lapis 1<http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=40724391&msgid=588038&act=SGZN&c=309084&admin=0&destination=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dfg.ca.gov%2Fmlpa%2Fscrsg-dprops-r2.asp%23lapisa>) will serve as the starting place for negotiations and refinement as each group strives to meet the goals of the MLPA and adhere to guidance from the BRTF. The BRTF encouraged members of the SCRSG to develop creative solutions and look across all proposals developed as part of the south coast process as these three platforms are refined.

The success of the MLPA largely depends on the continued involvement of the public. There are a number of ways that members of the public can participate in this process:

Stay informed

* Sign up for the MLPA email list<http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=40724391&msgid=588038&act=SGZN&c=309084&admin=0&destination=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dfg.ca.gov%2Fmlpa%2Fmailinglist.asp>

* Attend meetings or view live or archived<http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=40724391&msgid=588038&act=SGZN&c=309084&admin=0&destination=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dfg.ca.gov%2Fmlpa%2Fmeetings_sc.asp> webcasts of meetings

* MLPA Initiative is on Facebook! Join the MLPA Initiative group <http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=40724391&msgid=588038&act=SGZN&c=309084&admin=0&destination=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fgroup.php%3Fgid%3D76408555160%26ref%3Dts> on Facebook for the latest MLPA news

Provide feedback

Providing feedback is one of the most important ways to get involved in the MLPA Initiative process. Public comment provided at meetings should be concise and focused on specific ideas or suggestions. While the time available for verbal comments at meetings is usually limited, there is no limit on the length of comments submitted in writing. All written comments should be submitted via email, mail or fax<http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=40724391&msgid=588038&act=SGZN&c=309084&admin=0&destination=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dfg.ca.gov%2Fmlpa%2Fcontact_sc.asp>.

All comments received (both verbally and in writing) are compiled on a weekly basis and distributed to the I-Team and MLPA Initiative groups (BRTF, SCRSG and SAT as appropriate). Please do not send comments to SAT or BRTF members directly.

Specific opportunities to provide input include:

* Submitting feedback on documents open for public comment

* Participating in workshops, open houses and pubic information presentations<http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=40724391&msgid=588038&act=SGZN&c=309084&admin=0&destination=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dfg.ca.gov%2Fmlpa%2Fmeetings_sc.asp>

* Contacting a member of the regional stakeholder group<http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=40724391&msgid=588038&act=SGZN&c=309084&admin=0&destination=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dfg.ca.gov%2Fmlpa%2Fscproject.asp%23members>

* Submitting comments, ideas and suggestions to MLPAComments@resources.ca.gov<mailto:MLPAComments@resources.ca.gov>

Spread the word

* Circulate South Coast News far and wide to help ensure others in your community are aware of the MLPA Initiative, upcoming meetings and opportunities for public involvement

* Distribute the MLPA Initiative brochure - post it on your website, circulate it via listservs and/or print it for distribution at community events

* If you are a leader in your community and/or have access to a large number of constituents, become a Key Communicator. Contact the Public Outreach and Education Team via email<mailto:kelly@strategicoceansolutions.com> or call 310-738-2665 to learn more.

1416 Ninth Street, Suite 1311 Sacramento, CA 95814 916.654.1885

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
CONTACT: Melissa Miller-Henson
May 14, 2009 530.400.2545
Ken Wiseman
916.533.6971

Chair Don Benninghoven Issues Statement on Progress in Implementing the Marine Life Protection Act Initiative

Today MLPA Blue Ribbon Task Force Chair Don Benninghoven issued the following statement on the progress being made to implement the Marine Life Protection Act Initiative in California:

"Recently the MLPA Initiative has experienced strong criticism, which is to be expected when engaged in a significant, cutting-edge effort to provide for a more balanced use of our ocean. We are confident in our mission to hear and consider all perspectives as we move forward in southern California that we can balance efforts to provide maximum ocean protection while limiting short-term economic impacts.

“A collaboration of public and private partners is supporting a dedicated team of over 80 stakeholders, scientists and community partners to develop and release to the public in the next few weeks the first set of draft marine protected area proposals for the study region. The draft proposals identify different ways the state can reconfigure its marine protected areas to help ensure the state’s marine ecosystem has greater protection.

“Stakeholders are making tremendous strides in their efforts to maximize habitat protection while minimizing, to the extent possible, economic impacts. I applaud their efforts working as a team to consider multiple viewpoints on how best to redesign MPAs in California waters; in doing so they are also using the best readily available data that is displayed in a GIS-based system on the Internet that is available to everyone, including the public.

"This is an unparalleled effort to gather the best readily available science and data related to ocean ecosystems and marine protected areas and to apply it in the real world. With an ongoing public-private partnership providing a solid foundation of over $8 million in private funds for completing the redesign process along the coast and to begin planning in San Francisco Bay, we fully expect to complete our task in late 2010 as planned.

“In January of this year Secretary Mike Chrisman reiterated the Schwarzenegger Administration’s tireless commitment to completing this planning process and for ensuring adequate funding for implementation. He also emphasized the importance of public-private partnerships, such as the MLPA Initiative, in making long-term management most effective, whether for enforcement, outreach, education or on-site management.

“Similar criticisms about the MLPA Initiative were made during the north central coast process in 2007 and, yet, in 2008 the MLPA Blue Ribbon Task Force forwarded to the commission four marine protected area proposals, including an integrated preferred alternative that was developed based upon the extensive work of 45 stakeholders representing a variety of interests during a 15-month redesign process. The integrated preferred alternative received support from a diversity of interests, from fishermen and divers to conservationists and the general public.

"Everyone agrees that healthy oceans are good for the economy. We are all stewards looking for a balanced use and protection of California’s marine resource for current and future generations. Next month we begin work in the north coast study region and expect to engage with another exceptional group of stakeholders and community partners to help California achieve this goal.”

Who: MLPA Blue Ribbon Task Force Chair Don Benninghoven and California Department of Fish and Game Director Donald Koch

What: Announce members of the MLPA South Coast Regional Stakeholder Group (see below and attached)

When: September 30, 2008

MLPA Initiative, California Department of Fish and Game Announce

South Coast Regional Stakeholder Group

Members chosen to represent diverse interests from Santa Barbara to San Diego

SACRAMENTO - The Marine Life Protection Act (MLPA) Initiative and California Department of Fish and Game (DFG) today announced the appointment of the MLPA South Coast Regional Stakeholder Group. Under the guidance of a blue ribbon task force, this group of 30 primary members and 27 alternates (list below) is responsible for working with a science advisory team and MLPA staff to help California improve the design and management of the south coast portion of a statewide network of marine protected areas (MPAs).

"An outstanding group of individuals was nominated for the south coast study region, which underscores the public's commitment to making this process a success," said DFG Director Donald Koch. "Selecting the appointments from this group of highly qualified individuals was no easy task. We appreciate the willingness of each of these stakeholders to dedicate the next 14 months to working collaboratively to help protect the state's unparalleled coastline."

Group members bring an in-depth knowledge about local resources and uses to help complete a regional profile, including an evaluation of existing MPAs within the MLPA South Coast Study Region (from Point Conception in Santa Barbara County south to the California border with Mexico, including offshore islands). The stakeholder group will also develop recommendations for alternative MPA proposals. A team composed of DFG staff, California Department of Parks and Recreation staff, and MLPA Initiative staff and contractors will work closely with the stakeholder group throughout the process.

"The regional stakeholder group represents a broad range of interests in the area, and all members have knowledge of marine issues affecting the study region," said MLPA Blue Ribbon Task Force Chair Don Benninghoven. "This knowledge is essential to successfully guide the recommendations for implementing the Marine Life Protection Act in this part of the state."

The stakeholder group includes, among others, representatives of recreational angling, diving, commercial fishing, ports and harbors, conservation, business and government agencies with MPA-related responsibilities.

MLPA Initiative Executive Director Ken Wiseman said that a large number of talented people were nominated for the regional stakeholder group. "We selected a manageable-sized group that represents a wide range of interests in the south coast. The members of the group are committed to taking a thoughtful look at the entire study region and have demonstrated experience in working collaboratively with multi-interest groups," Wiseman said. "We believe these individuals have the ability to discuss and balance varied perspectives and communicate those to a broad constituency."

The regional group's first meeting will take place Oct. 6 and 7 in El Segundo where members will be introduced to one another and to the stakeholder process. Additional members may be named prior to the first meeting. Subsequent meetings of the group will be held every six to eight weeks, or as necessary, throughout the study region.

Discussions at group meetings will be carried out primarily by the stakeholder representatives with the assistance of professional facilitators. Meetings will be open to the public and will be videotaped for simultaneous Web casting and later viewing on the Internet. Members of the public are encouraged to participate in the meetings as observers; they also will have opportunities to provide comments on evolving MPA proposals and other elements of the process.

The California Resources Agency and DFG have partnered with the Resources Legacy Fund Foundation and others in an initiative to achieve the MLPA goals. This public-private partnership is guided by the advice of scientists, resource managers, experts, stakeholders and members of the public. The MLPA directs the state to design and manage a system of marine protected areas in order to, among other things, protect marine life and habitats, marine ecosystems, and marine natural heritage, as well as improve recreational, educational and study opportunities provided by marine ecosystems.

The MLPA requires DFG to prepare and present to the California Fish and Game Commission a master plan that will guide the adoption and implementation of a Marine Life Protection Program within the department. The commission is then required to adopt a master plan, based on the best readily available science, which includes a statewide network of MPAs. After the south coast region, the commission will be presented with recommendations for alternative network components along the two remaining study regions (north coast and San Francisco Bay) between 2009 and 2011.

For more information about the MLPA Initiative, please visit http://www.dfg.ca.gov/mlpa.

California Marine Life Protection Act Initiative

Members of the South Coast Regional Stakeholder Group

Revised September 29, 2008

Sarah Abramson, Coastal Resources Director, Heal the Bay

Calla Allison, Marine Protection Officer, City of Laguna Beach (alternate for Ken Kearsley)

John F. Ballotti, Senior Director, Global Procurement, Mattel, Inc.

Benjamin Beede, General Manager and Limited Partner, The Cultured Abalone

Philip Beguhl, commercial fishing representative, Santa Barbara County Fish and Game Commission

Steve Benevides, Co-founder, Kelp Forest Coalition

Bob Bertelli, President, California Sea Urchin Commission

Julie Bursek, Education Coordinator, Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary (alternate for Brent Scheiwe)

Roberta R. Cordero, Co-Founder and President, Chumash Maritime Association

Jim Dahl, Council Member, City of San Clemente (alternate for Leslie Daigle)

Leslie Daigle, Mayor Pro Tem, City of Newport Beach and Regional Council Member, Southern California Association of Governments

W. Scott Dunn, independent kayak guide and instructor

Dr. Jonna Engel, Staff Ecologist, California Coastal Commission

Dr. John M. "Jack" Engle, Associate Research Biologist, Marine Science Institute, University of California, Santa Barbara (alternate for Phyllis Grifman)

Roy "Buck" Everingham, Owner, Everingham Brothers Bait Company (alternate for Ciro Ferrigno)

Jenn Feinberg, Consultant, Natural Resources Defense Council (alternate for Greg Helms)

Ciro Ferrigno, Member of the Board, California Wetfish Producer's Association

Ray Fields, President, The Abalone Farm, Inc. (alternate for Benjamin Beede)

Robert C. Fletcher, President, Sportfishing Association of California (alternate for Mike Gauger)

Mary Jane Forster-Foley, President, MJF Consulting Inc. (alternate for David Weeshoff)

Russell E. Galipeau, Superintendent, Channel Islands National Park

Michael Gauger, Seaforth Sportfishing, Inc.

Tommy Gomes, Owner, Uni Goop Bait (alternate for Bruce Steele)

Joel Greenberg, Southern California Chapter Chairman, Recreational Fishing Alliance (alternate for John Balloti)

Phyllis Grifman, Associate Director, University of Southern California Sea Grant Program

Mervin "Louie" Guassac, Executive Director, Kumeyaay Diegueno Land Conservancy

Marcela Gutiérrez, Wildlife Conservation Program Manager, WiLDCOAST (alternate for Sarah Abramson)

Kate Hanley, Director of Operations and Marine Conservation, San Diego Coastkeeper

Greg Helms, Southern California Program Manager, The Ocean Conservancy

Ray Hiemstra, Associate Director, Orange County Coastkeeper (alternate for Kate Hanley)

Mike Huber, Regional Environmental Coordinator Program Manager, U.S. Department of Defense Region IX

Ken Kearsley, former Mayor, City of Malibu

Michael J. Kennedy, Deputy Director, Kayak Fishing Association of California (alternate for Paul Lebowitz)

Eric Kett, Owner, Sea Zen Marine Consulting (alternate for Terry Maas)

Mick Kronman, Harbor Operations Manager, City of Santa Barbara

Paul Lebowitz, Director, Kayak Fishing Association of California

Dr. Terry Maas, Director, Underwater Society of America and Founding Member, Sea Watch

Jeff Maassen, Vice President, Commercial Fishermen of Santa Barbara, Inc. (alternate for Bob Bertelli)

Jenny Marshall, Consultant, U.S. Navy (alternate for Mike Huber)

Carl Mayhugh, President, Pacific Oceanworks, Inc. (alternate for Steve Benevides)

Mike McCorkle, President, Southern California Trawlers Association (alternate for Gerry Richter)

Dr. Michael McCoy, Member, Tijuana River National Estuarine Research Reserve Management Authority (alternate for Dr. Vinod Sasidharan)

Merit McCrea, Captain, Condor Cruises and Research Technician, Marine Science Institute (alternate for Norris Tapp)

Garth Murphy, Founder, Surf Research (alternate for W. Scott Dunn)

Bob Osborn, Member, United Anglers of Southern California (alternate for Wendy Tochihara)

Jack Peveler, President, California Association of Port Captains and Harbormasters (alternate for Mick Kronman)

Dr. Benjamin Pister, Marine Ecologist, Cabrillo National Monument (alternate for Russell E. Galipeau)

Lia Protopapadakis, Marine Policy Specialist, Santa Monica Bay Restoration Foundation (alternate for Dr. Anne Spacie)

Gerry D. Richter, Vice President, Point Conception Groundfishermen's Association

Dr. Vinod Sasidharan, Associate Professor and Program Coordinator, Recreation and Tourism Management Program, San Diego State University

Brent Scheiwe, Director, SEA Lab

Dr. Anne Spacie, Science Director and Member of the Board, Batiquitos Lagoon Foundation and Professor Emerita, Purdue University

Bruce Steele, Captain, F/V Halcyon

Norris Tapp, Captain, F/V Freelance

Cassidy Teufel, Coastal Program Analyst, California Coastal Commission (alternate for Jonna Engel)

Wendy Tochihara, National Sales Manager, Izorline International

David Weeshoff, Member of the Board, International Bird Rescue Research Center

SECRETARY FOR RESOURCES MIKE CHRISMAN ANNOUNCES ORDER FOR REMAINING MLPA STUDY REGIONS

Process in place for entire California coast, landmark Marine Life Protection Act

Sacramento – Secretary for Resources Mike Chrisman today announced the order of three remaining study regions to implement California’s Marine Life Protection Act (MLPA) by 2011. Data collection will begin in the MLPA South Coast Study Region, (Point Conception south to the border with Mexico), in early 2008, followed by the MLPA North Coast Study Region (Alder Creek north to the border with Oregon), and then the MLPA San Francisco Bay Study Region (from the Golden Gate Bridge northeast to the Carquinez Bridge). A specific timetable for the remaining regions has yet to be established.

"With our announcement today we have finalized the order of the five Marine Life Protection Act study regions that will cover California’s coast," Chrisman said. "In many ways this is a stage that some people never believed we could reach. More importantly, today’s announcement represents a milestone that we have achieved together, scientists, fishermen, elected officials and environmentalists, all working for the benefit and future of our ocean and its marine life."

The MLPA North Central Coast Study Region, the second region identified for implementation of the act, is currently undergoing a process for evaluating marine protected areas (MPAs).

In 2004, Gov. Schwarzenegger directed the Resources Agency to launch an effort to implement the Marine Life Protection Act as part the administration’s ocean and coastal protection policy. In March 2006, a blue ribbon task force delivered recommendations on the first study region (from Pigeon Point to Point Conception, called the MLPA Central Coast Study Region) to the California Department of Fish and Game (DFG) and the California Fish and Game Commission. In April 2007, following extensive public input and scientific analysis, the Fish and Game Commission identified 29 marine protected areas within the Central Coast Study Region. Those regulations went into effect in September 2007.

Building on a model that has been demonstrated successfully to complete one region and is being used in the process on another, a blue ribbon task force will be appointed by Secretary Chrisman in early 2008 for the South Coast Study Region. The task force and DFG will appoint another regional stakeholder group to ensure local interests and knowledge play a role in developing MPA proposals for the region. DFG will also name a science advisory team to make use of the best readily available science.

About the MLPA: The MLPA directs the state to reexamine and redesign California’s system of MPAs through a comprehensive program and master plan. Its primary goals are to protect marine life and habitats, marine ecosystems and marine natural heritage, as well as improve recreational, educational and study opportunities provided by marine ecosystems. MPAs include state marine conservation areas, state marine parks, and state marine reserves.

For more information on the MLPA visit www.dfg.ca.gov/mlpa.