Surfrider Foundation

Marine Protected Areas Coming to Southern California

We all know our ocean is not in the shape it used to be. Whether it is pollution, climate change, or mismanagement of resources--humans have taken a toll on the ocean. To help improve our ocean's health, the State is setting aside ‘protected areas’ so that marine life can thrive.

After a year of ‘map-making’ and planning, the Marine Life Protection Act (MLPA) process is coming to a close in Southern California. Recently, the Blue Ribbon Task Force unanimously voted to forward a final map to the Fish and Game Commission. The map, called the Integrated Preferred Alternative (IPA), is a hybrid map representing diverse Stakeholder views.

The MLPA, as a law, was designed and written to ensure diverse views were incorporated into the final map. The Surfrider Foundation supports the IPA because we believe it contains a balance of conservation and fishing interests-- and perspectives from all ocean users. The IPA is a compromise plan that will set aside rich places like La Jolla, Naples Reef, and Point Dume while leaving more than 90% of the coastline open for fishing. The unanimous BRTF vote makes it clear that the IPA is receiving the strongest possible recommendation to move forward to the Fish and Game Commission.

The Commission will base its decision on public support--and that's why they need to hear from you! Please take action NOW by sending the below letter--express you are concerned about preserving ocean resources and that you support the IPA because it is a 'balanced' proposal that provides strong protection while incorporating diverse stakeholder perspectives.

To learn more about Surfrider’s work on the MLPA, go to our blog here:

Subject:

Your Letter:

Dear Fish and Game Commissioners:

I’m writing to express my support for the Integrated Preferred Alternative (IPA), in the South Coast MLPA study region.  I strongly urge you to adopt the IPA.

I support the IPA because it is a 'balanced' proposal that provides strong protection while incorporating diverse stakeholder perspectives. While the IPA is a compromise proposal, it provides needed protection for areas like Naples, Point Dume and La Jolla. To rebuild ocean ecosystems, we need to create a strong network of marine protected areas that meet the important scientific guidelines.

Please consider adopting the IPA because it includes Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) that weigh both fishing and conservation interests.   Based on experience from around the world, and from the Channel Islands, we know MPAs do work and can be implemented by weighing both socioeconomic and environmental concerns.  MPAs established five years ago in California’s Channel Islands are working to improve biodiversity and ocean health, according to conclusions from a recent study conducted by biologists and economists.

Looking at the Channel Islands, scientists found that fish were larger inside reserves and the ecosystem, as a whole, functioned better.   This study also examined the impacts MPAs have on the local economy, including sport & commercial fishing and tourism.  Scientists found that initial predictions of significant economic losses did not materialize.  Sportfishing was shown to have increased since MPA establishment, and commercial landings for some of the largest fisheries in Islands waters – squid, urchin, lobster and crab – also increased.

I believe that MPAs can be a ‘win-win’ especially in the future once protected areas rebuild fish populations and create the “spill over effect”.

Please approve the IPA.  Thank you for working to implement the MLPA in a way that captures diverse stakeholder perspectives.

Sincerely,

California Fish and Game Commission

Background Information

Why Marine Protected Areas?

California has more than 1000 miles of coastline and some of the world’s richest and most diverse ocean ecosystems. California is also the number one travel destination in the U.S. Over 12 million people each year come to visit our tidepools, watch whales and dolphins play along our shore and, of course, spend time at our extraordinary beaches. Many Californians and visitors enjoy recreational activities that are greatly enhanced by healthy oceans – and many of us want fully protected areas simply to know some special places will be left in a relatively undisturbed natural state for future generations. Human activities have burdened our ocean and now is the time to restore our coastal waters, so they can be productive far into the future. By setting aside part of our oceans today, we take an important step to ensure they will be healthy tomorrow.

The Law

The MLPA is a law that requires the state to establish a “network” of marine protected areas from Oregon to the Mexican border. The goals of the MLPA are to: ‘set aside’ areas of the ocean to increase fish populations, enhance marine habitat, and to improve recreational and educational opportunities. Over the past year, Surfrider has been working with diverse groups of people including recreationalists, fishermen, environmentalists, and Chapter activists to ensure the law meets the goal of protecting special places, but also balances that goal to ensure ample opportunities for fishing.

To learn more go here: (use the link resources on the right hand side to gain insight into the MLPA and Surfrider’s role within the process).

How do I learn more about the IPA?

To view the IPA go here: