The Marine Life Protection Act

Protecting Critical Ocean Habitats

The California Marine Life Protection Act (MLPA), the first law of its kind in the country, calls for the creation of a scientifically-based network of marine protected areas along the state's coastline. Similiar to national parks on land, marine protected areas set aside certain designated parts of the ocean for preservation and protection. A marine reserve is a very is a very important type of marine protected area where ‘no-take’ is allowed. Marine reserves safeguard critical ocean habitat and allow all types of marine life to thrive, from the coral of the seafloor to the fish and mammals that reach the waters surface and all marine life in between.

CCKA is Taking Action

The current effort to implement the MLPA, known as the MLPA Initiative, is a public-private partnership guided by scientists, stakeholders, and members of the public. The MLPA Initiative includes extensive public participation through numerous public meetings and a Regional Stakeholder Group. The California Fish & Game Commission adopted the first network of MPAs along the Central Coast, from Santa Barbara to Half Moon Bay. The second phase of the Initiative is currently underway to establish marine protected areas along the North Central Coast. The North Central Coast network is expected to be adopted by the Fish & Game Commission early 2009. To see the Blue Ribbon Task Force's preffered network of marine protected areas click on the map to the right. By 2011, the entire network of marine protected areas should be adopted throughout California.

CCKA has been an active stakeholder in the MLPA Initiative in support of a network of marine reserves that protects ocean life and is coordinated with water quality initiatives that further protect the designated areas. In coordination with the local Waterkeepers along the coast, CCKA will continue to advocate for a comprehensive, scientifically based network of marine protected areas throughout California.

A Sheltered Sea

The Baum Foundation recently releasted a film, A Sheltered Sea, which documents the groundbreaking conservation effort occuring along California's coast through the MLPA. The film illustrates the collaborative stakeholder process of creating marine protected areas. Click on the play button below, or to view the entire video click here.

California Coastkeeper Alliance

PO Box 3156, Fremont CA 94539