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Protecting California’s marine ecosystems: We must act now to reverse the harm on our oceans caused by global warming, overfishing and too much coastal development, says an author of the Marine Life Protection Act

Posted by: Maven on March 31, 2009 at 8:58 am

From the Los Angeles Times, this commentary by former Assemblyman Fred Keeley:

As an author of the California Marine Life Protection Act (MLPA), I was disappointed to read recreational fisherman Dick Giuliani’s March 25 opinion piece, in which he argued that the fishing reserves proposed under the act would be disastrous for the state. I’d like to clear up a number of misconceptions and share why I believe the process of selecting marine protection areas as outlined by the MLPA is critical to our future.

The MLPA, which was adopted in 1999, calls for a coherent network of marine protected areas in California waters to preserve the state’s marine ecosystems and natural heritage. This network of protected areas will improve recreational, educational and study opportunities provided by the vibrant marine ecosystems. The MLPA will effectively create underwater parks much in the same way we protect above-ground treasures like Yosemite and Big Sur: The marine protected areas will not be completely off-limits to people, and they are not designed to stop fishing, both commercial and recreational.

Since leaving the Assembly in 2002, I have kept a watchful eye on the MLPA in action and believe that it is being carried out as an inclusive, collaborative process based on the best available science. The groups charged with designating the marine protected areas under the MLPA consist of a broad variety of interests, including small-business owners dependent on tourism, commercial and recreational fishermen, conservation groups and scientists. Additionally, there is ample time during the MLPA process for members of the public to observe it in person or via Webcast and add their voices to the public record. The process of establishing marine protected areas for the health and vitality of California fisheries has included very thoughtful and sometimes spirited debate. It involves reasonable compromises following many detailed discussions.

Read the rest of this commentary by clicking here.

March 31, 2009 · Filed Under Oceans & Beaches

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