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California’s MLPA Initiative continues to complete recommendations for Marine Protected Areas

Posted by: Maven on January 31, 2009 at 7:13 am

From the California Department of Fish & Game:

California’s Marine Life Protection Act (MLPA) Initiative will continue its public process to complete recommendations for a statewide network of marine protected areas. The MLPA’s planning budget has not been impacted by the state’s current fiscal issues.

In response to the state’s temporary freeze of bond funds, the MLPA Initiative has secured private funding through its public-private partnership to complete a habitat-mapping project that will support the marine protected area (MPA) planning process in Southern California. The initiative is also seeking additional private support for scientific monitoring along the central coast and north central coast, as well as to supplement public funding as necessary to successfully achieve the goals of the MLPA.

“The task force is charged with developing recommendations for MPAs in the south coast, as well as identifying ways to improve state and federal coordination,” said Don Benninghoven, chair of the MLPA Initiative Blue Ribbon Task Force. “I am confident that we will continue to meet the objectives of the public-private partnership during these tough economic times.”

The California Natural Resources Agency and California Department of Fish and Game have partnered with the Resources Legacy Fund Foundation and others to achieve the MLPA goals. This public-private partnership combines both state and private funding to conduct the planning work leading up to implementation. The planning process is guided by the advice of scientists, resource managers, experts, stakeholders and by members of the public.

“We owe it to our stakeholders, scientists and members of the public who have dedicated their valuable time and energy to carry this public process forward,” said MLPA Initiative Executive Director Ken Wiseman. “Today Secretary for Natural Resources Mike Chrisman confirmed the Governor’s commitment to meeting the statutory goals of the MLPA, and working together we will ensure that this stakeholder-driven process is successfully completed.”

Read more of this press release from the California Department of Fish & Game by clicking here.

January 31, 2009 · Filed Under Oceans & Beaches

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