Marine Life Protection Act

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The Marine Life Protection Act (MLPA) was passed by California legislators in 1999 in order to better evaluate the current state of California's coastal waters and to direct the state to create and manage a network of marine protected areas (MPAs) along the California coastline.

Contents 1 Overview 2 A Brief History of California MPAs 3 The Marine Life Protection Act 3.1 MLPA Findings 3.2 MPA Network 3.3 MLPA Implementation 4 References 5 External links

[edit] Overview

Unlike terrestrial conservation, marine conservation often lacks a systematic approach to conserving biodiversity^[1]. Little gap analysis has been performed on the marine environment, and there is a lack of knowledge into what is protected, what needs to be protected, and where the protection needs to occur^[1]. Over the last century there has been a rapid increase in the loss of marine biodiversity and habitat degradation.About 70% of California's population lives within one hour of the coast and the ocean provides a large amount of resources to local, state, and national interests. As a result, species and habitat loss has become a major issue. Over 90% of California's coastal wetlands have been lost, coastal waters have become contaminated with a variety of urban and agricultural toxins, and a large number of targeted species have declined in the last 10-20 years^[1]. Over the last two decades, California fish catches have decreased by over 50%^[2]. These impacts have decreased the health and value of the California's coastal ocean and imply a need for a more systematic approach to marine conservation^[2][1]. Although there is no single solution to conserving the marine environment, MPAs are a potentially valuable tool for marine conservation when designed and managed effectively. A well designed and managed network of MPAs helps to prevent degradation, fosters marine biodiversity, and may maintain a more sustainable fishing industry^[2]. The MLPA helps to promote a shift from single-species management to an ecosystem based management and is a more systematic approach to marine conservation.

[edit] A Brief History of California MPAs

See also: List of California Department of Fish and Game protected areas

California’s first six MPAs were created between 1909 and 1913; by 1950 all had been removed. After 1950 more than 50 other MPAs were created along the California coast. But these MPAs were established in a random manner and without regard to regional conservation goals^[3]. Most have been thought to be too small and ineffective in protecting against habitat and species loss^[2][3][1]. With theses existing MPAs less than 1% of coastal waters were protected, and none extended to deeper waters^[1]. In 1999 the MLPA was created in order to re-evaluate current MPA system and to establish a better network of MPAs that would be more effective in protecting against habitat and species loss.

[edit] The Marine Life Protection Act

The Marine Life Protection Act language as amended to July 2004

[edit] MLPA Findings

The MLPA found that existing MPAs were not created under a coherent plan or scientific guidelines, and that there is a need to redesign the MPA system. Coastal development, water pollution, and other human activities are a threat to California’s diverse coastal waters. These coastal waters, along with the ecosystems and species which thrive within them are vital assets to the state and nation. An improved MPA system would help protect against habitat and ecosystem loss, conserve biological diversity, provide safe breeding grounds for fish and other marine species, improve research opportunities, create a reference point from which the rest of the ocean can be compared against, and may help to re-grow depleted fisheries^[3].

[edit] MPA Network

The MLPA appointed the California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG) with the task of developing and managing a network of MPAs. The CDFG determines the final location and size of each MPA. The goal is to establish a network of MPAs that work together. This network takes into account the movement of adult and larval fish and also focuses on deepwater habitats for the first time^[2]. A proportion of the MPA network is to be designated as no-take zones. No-take zones allow for a large area of safe breeding grounds and a sanctuary for large, female fish. Large female fish produce more viable offspring and are vital in a population^[4]. With this idea, the MPA network has the potential to boost fish populations in areas out side of MPAs. Fishery growth has been successful along the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary after reserves were established in these areas^[2]. The final decision of the size and location of the MPAs depends on the species and habitats effected, stakeholder and conservation goals, and how each individual MPA will function on its own and as part of the network.

[edit] MLPA Implementation

After its passage in 1999, the CDFG began to implement the MLPA. The first attempt involved a Master Plan Team which included primarily scientific experts and governmental agencies, with little input from local stakeholders^[5]. This plan failed once it was brought to the public for approval, mostly because stakeholders and other members of the public were excluded from the process. Commercial and recreational fishers showed the most resistance, stating that MPAs produce no benefits for fisheries and objecting to the size and location of the proposed MPAs^[2][5]. In 2002, the CDFG implemented the MLPA for a second time. This plan involved members from the Master Plan Team, as well as seven Working Stakeholder Groups, which included governmental agency officials, recreational and commercial fishing interests, recreational divers, ocean vessel representatives, environmental interests, charter boat operators, harbormasters, and scientists/educators^[5]. This attempt was more successful and gained public support, but the project lost funding in 2003 due to a poor fiscal year.

In 2004 the CDFG gained new funding from several organizations to initiate the Marine Life Protection Act Initiative. The Initiative divided the coast into sequential regions and assembled a Blue Ribbon Task Force on Marine Protected Areas, Science Advisory Team, and Regional Stakeholder Group to develop and evaluate the first set of MPAs in the Central Coast region^[2]. On April 13, 2007, after nearly three years of public meetings and proposal reviews, the Fish and Game Commission evaluated and voted on a final MPA proposal for the Central California coast. The commission voted on a plan to establish 29 MPAs covering approximately 204 square miles (18%) of state waters with 85 square miles (8%) designated as no-take state marine reserves^[6]. The network ranges from Pigeon Point in San Mateo County south to Point Conception in Santa Barbara County, and contains several types of MPAs with varying degrees of protection. Central coast MPA regulations will be effective starting summer 2007^[6].

The MLPA Initiative is currently in the process of developing MPAs in the North-Central Coast region, between Point Arena in Mendocino County and Pigeon Point in San Mateo County. Following an extensive stakeholder process, on April 23, 2008 the Blue Ribbon Task Force recommended a network of MPAs for the region to the California Fish and Game Commission. The Commission is expected to provide draft approval of a plan in 2008.

CDFG has also announced that Southern California is the next region to be focused on by the MLPA Initiative.

[edit] References

[edit] External links

• Marine Life Protection Act Initiative (CA DFG)
• Existing Marine Protected Areas (CA DFG)
• MPA Science Literature (CA DFG)
• MLPA News Updates and Background Information (CalOceans)
• The Science of Marine Reserves: Booklet and videos (PISCO)