"No Time to Backtrack on MLPA" -- Sac Bee

The state capital's largest newspaper once again is backing the Marine Life Protection Act (MLPA). Here's the editorial:

Gov. Jerry Brown has an opportunity early in his tenure to take a strong stand in favor of ocean protection. He shouldn't miss the chance.

In 1999, the Legislature approved the Marine Life Protection Act. It is a landmark piece of legislation that ought to be emulated by other coastal states.


That measure declared that California's ocean waters are a "vital asset to the state and nation," and that the diversity of species and ecosystems "is important to public health and well-being, ecological health, and ocean-dependent industry." The words were easy to write. The policy has been tough.


In an attempt to help marine life rebound from years of overfishing and other abuses, the California Fish and Game Commission under Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has been designating certain near-shore waters as marine reserves and other types of protected areas, where fishing is prohibited or limited.


Some people in the commercial and sports fishing industries have become angry, understandably so. Foes have been aggressive, funding a sophisticated lobby and public relations effort.


Brown needs to ensure that all sides get a full airing of their grievances. He needs to be particularly mindful of Indians' legitimate concerns over their ancient rights to fish on the North Coast and elsewhere. But he should be wary of attempts by fishing groups to gut the clear intent of the Marine Life Protection Act – to give no-fishing zones a chance to work, as they have elsewhere in the world.


Under Schwarzenegger, the California Fish and Game Commission established marine reserves in three regions, on the South Coast, on the North Central Coast and the Central Coast.


Because of the protections, fishing and other activities in these protected areas are curtailed or banned. That allows reefs, kelp forests, and depleted fisheries to recover.


The commission still must tackle the boundaries of protected marine zones on the North Coast and in San Francisco Bay.


Brown needs to make sure that the protected zones are monitored. As we wrote on Dec. 20, the new governor should explore how the state could find "creative new funding sources, such as voluntary contributions, private fundraising, income tax check offs."


Brown has two opportunities to shape the commission. Commissioner Richard Rogers' term has expired, which would leave an opening.


On his way out of office, Schwarzenegger appointed Jack Baylis to the Fish and Game Commission. As an executive vice president of AECOM Technology Corp., an international engineering firm, Baylis is well-versed in the complexities of water and environmental issues. Like Rogers, Baylis is sympathetic the legitimate concerns of those who seek to protect the fisheries.


Brown ought to consider leaving Baylis in place. If the governor feels a need to insert his own appointee, he should be certain that the nominee understands the importance of ocean protection.


The Bee's past stands

In a study published by the journal Science in November, marine biologists warned that every species now fished in the ocean will collapse by 2048 without stronger protections. Among other measures, the scientists recommended that governments designate more marine-protected areas ...

– April 13, 2007

The California Fish and Game Commission took a courageous step Friday by approving the nation's largest network of near-shore marine reserves. The designation creates 29 separate protected areas along the Central Coast … . Friday's action only affects 18 percent of the Central Coast. Worldwide, only 1 percent of the oceans are protected. There's still a lot of ocean out there. If we safeguard it, we'll be able to savor its bounty for many generations.

– April 18, 2007

Read more: http://www.sacbee.com/2011/02/19/3414830/no-time-to-backtrack-on-marine.html#ixzz1EQXogPw2