California Assembly Speaker Perez Backs Marine Life Protection Act

In a major boost for coastal business owners and ocean protection advocates, California Assembly Speaker John Perez today called on the California Fish and Game Commission to adopt "the strongest possible network of marine protect areas based on science" along California's southern Coast.

In a letter to the commission, Perez noted that fisheries are in decline, and that marine protected areas will "ensure that fisheries can recover and be healthy for generations to come."

Said the Speaker: "...You have a historic opportunity to create a legacy for southern California's oceans and generations to come ... Please adopt the protections most likely to provide lasting benefits for all Californians by choosing the strongest possible option of Marine Protected Areas in southern California."

The Fish and Game Commission is expected to finalize plans for southern California’s new marine protected areas in November. The Marine Life Protection Act is being implemented regionally, with local divers, fishermen, conservationists and business leaders developing marine protected area proposals for review by science and policy experts. Each plan undergoes a thorough scientific and economic review to ensure it maximizes environmental benefits and minimizes short-term costs.

In southern California, policy experts have recommended that the Fish and Game Commission adopt a compromise plan that protects iconic coastal areas like south La Jolla, Point Dume and Naples Reef while leaving nearly 90% of the coastline open for fishing.

A strong marine protected area plan will help rebuild California’s struggling fishing industry (statewide revenues are down 50% since 1990 ). It will also boost tourism and recreation, which drive 75% of ocean-related jobs, and account for 90% of coastal visits in the Los Angeles area.

For more information, visit http://www.dfg.ca.gov/mlpa or http://www.caloceans.org.