Approved: New protections for southern California's ocean treasures

Southern California’s new marine protected area plan will protect sea life and habitats at biodiversity hot spots while leaving nearly 90 percent of the coast open for fishing (see a map of fishing areas left open at http://caloceans.org/document/fishing-areas-left-open-under-socal-ipa.pdf). The new MPAs will improve access for recreation, study and education while boosting the overall health of California’s ocean.

“Today’s vote will help restore southern California’s legacy of abundant sea life,” said Kaitilin Gaffney of Ocean Conservancy. “After decades of treating the ocean as inexhaustible, by protecting ocean jewels like South La Jolla, Point Dume and Naples Reef, the Commission has turned the tide towards conservation.”

The meeting room at the Hotel Mar Monte was packed with divers, surfers, students, scientists, and other ocean fans wearing blue to show their support for marine protected areas. The Marine Life Protection Act planning process has drawn wide support from elected officials, business owners, and citizens who recognize the value of smart resource management.

Protecting the ocean is more than just the right thing to do—it’s also good for business. Coastal tourism and recreation are major economic drivers for our state, accounting for 75% of ocean-related jobs, and 80 cents out of every dollar spent by southern California visitors. With the coast and ocean generating $22 billion in revenue and over 350,000 jobs each year, marine protected areas are a smart investment that will pay both economic and environmental dividends.

"Our ocean is more than just a scenic backdrop for southern California—it is the bread and butter of our economy, and an integral part of our lifestyle,” said Dana Bochco, president of Bochco Productions. “As a mother and a business person, I thank the Commission for protecting this vital piece of our cultural heritage."

“California’s ocean habitats are every bit as dramatic as those on land. Just as we protected Yosemite and Kings Canyon on land, California is leading the way in preserving special places in the sea,” said Karen Garrison of NRDC.

Thanks to the foresight of the Fish and Game Commission, and the hard work of tens of thousands of south coast residents who helped to shape the state’s newest marine protected area network, future generations of Californians will inherit a more productive, sustainable ocean and a healthier coastal economy.

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