To all Ocean Enthusiasts,
Santa Monica Baykeeper invites you to participate in making history!
Santa Monica Baykeeper is dedicated to protecting our local coast and to restoring the kelp forests in Santa Monica Bay, San Pedro Bay, and adjacent waters. We believe that establishing Marine Protected Areas is another step towards doing what is necessary to protect this irreplaceable resource.
Over 100 years ago, the United States began to protect our most exceptional places on land by establishing national parks, such as Yellowstone and Yosemite. Today California is doing the same for our oceans through the use of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs).
Right now our coastal resources are in jeopardy. Some fish populations off California's coast are more than 90% depleted compared to historical levels. Recovery may take 50 to 100 years for some species to return to healthy, sustainable levels. Southern California's kelp forests have declined by 80% since the 1960's. To help protect California's coastline and marine waters, California adopted the Marine Life Protection Act (MLPA) in 1999. The MLPA is the first state law in the nation requiring the formation of a science based network of MPAs.
MPAs have been shown to help marine reef communities around the world. MPAs have the potential to increase species diversity, abundance, and size of individuals. Additionally, MPAs may contribute spillover of important species into unprotected areas which can benefit the entire region.
The MLPA initiative is committed to an inclusive and transparent public process. The decision making process is already underway and is actively soliciting input from the public. The California Fish and Game website has more detailed information regarding the MLPA and how you can get involved. Go to: California Department of Fish & Game, Marine Life Protection Act Initiative
To help ensure public participation, we are offering a free informative presentation for your organization. We would be thrilled to join your organization at your next gathering to share more about the MLPA process and answer any questions you may have. Please call us as 310-305-9645 ext. 7 if you would like additional information or to schedule an MLPA presentation. We'll also discuss our kelp restoration project, as that is going on strong right now.
Regards
Santa Monica Baykeeper invites you to participate in making history!
Santa Monica Baykeeper is dedicated to protecting our local coast and to restoring the kelp forests in Santa Monica Bay, San Pedro Bay, and adjacent waters. We believe that establishing Marine Protected Areas is another step towards doing what is necessary to protect this irreplaceable resource.
Over 100 years ago, the United States began to protect our most exceptional places on land by establishing national parks, such as Yellowstone and Yosemite. Today California is doing the same for our oceans through the use of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs).
Right now our coastal resources are in jeopardy. Some fish populations off California's coast are more than 90% depleted compared to historical levels. Recovery may take 50 to 100 years for some species to return to healthy, sustainable levels. Southern California's kelp forests have declined by 80% since the 1960's. To help protect California's coastline and marine waters, California adopted the Marine Life Protection Act (MLPA) in 1999. The MLPA is the first state law in the nation requiring the formation of a science based network of MPAs.
MPAs have been shown to help marine reef communities around the world. MPAs have the potential to increase species diversity, abundance, and size of individuals. Additionally, MPAs may contribute spillover of important species into unprotected areas which can benefit the entire region.
The MLPA initiative is committed to an inclusive and transparent public process. The decision making process is already underway and is actively soliciting input from the public. The California Fish and Game website has more detailed information regarding the MLPA and how you can get involved. Go to: California Department of Fish & Game, Marine Life Protection Act Initiative
To help ensure public participation, we are offering a free informative presentation for your organization. We would be thrilled to join your organization at your next gathering to share more about the MLPA process and answer any questions you may have. Please call us as 310-305-9645 ext. 7 if you would like additional information or to schedule an MLPA presentation. We'll also discuss our kelp restoration project, as that is going on strong right now.
Regards
