Take Action to Protect Coastal Resources for the Future

We need your help to make sure the strongest plan for protecting California’s coastal ecosystems is adopted. Please attend a meeting or email the Fish and Game Commission and urge them to protect our coastal waters!

The State of California is currently deciding which undersea areas along the coast deserve a high level of protection from overuse.These Marine Protected Areas – to be established along the North Central coast from Half Moon Bay to Point Arena – will be underwater wilderness preserves, protecting diverse habitats and allowing fish and marine wildlife to thrive. The decision now lies with the Fish and Game Commission, who will review the proposed plan (called the Integrated Preferred Alternative, or IPA) and adopt it as is – or weaken its provisions.

Attend A Meeting

On October 2 & 3, the Fish and Game Commission will be holding a public meeting that will be the last opportunity to voice your support for protecting our ocean legacy. If you’re able to attend a meeting in Santa Rosa on October 2 or 3 to speak in support of adopting the IPA without further cuts, please click here to send an email to Baykeeper Staff Scientist Jen Kovecses.

Send An Email to the Commission

You can also send an email in support of a strong protection plan to fgc@fgc.ca.gov. Below is sample text for your message to the Fish and Game Commission.

Dear Fish & Game Commisioners,

Thank you for supporting the MLPA process to protect our coast for future generations. I urge you to approve the Integrated Preferred Alternative with no further cuts.

Years ago we took steps to safeguard places like Yosemite and Mt. Shasta so they would remain part of our natural legacy. Now is the time to do the same for California's North Central Coast.

Our state needs a strong network of marine protected areas. Without long-term security for critical habitats, we are gambling with our fish, ocean wildlife, and coastal communities. That is not a risk we should take. Please approve the IPA with no further cuts to protect California's North Central Coast and ensure that our ocean resources will survive for future generations to enjoy.

(Note: Your name and comments will be published on the MLPA website, unless you request otherwise.)

Read More About the Plan to Protect Our Coastal Waters

In April 2008, the Marine Life Protection Act Blue Ribbon Task Force finished their review of the three proposals developed by an advisory group of conservationists, fishermen, scientists, boaters and divers. Their final decision was a compromise of three proposed packages, with individual protections for iconic places such as the Sonoma Coast, Point Reyes, Fitzgerald Marine Reserve and the Farallon Islands. The Task Force also recommended special closures to protect seabirds and marine mammals from disturbance.

The Task Force’s recommendation includes a network of protected areas that is smaller than two of the three options it initially considered, as some coastal sites were dropped or given reduced levels of protection. The end result, known as the Integrated Preferred Alternative, or IPA, was a proposal to create 18 Marine Protected Areas, fully protecting 80 square miles (11%) of North Central Coast ocean waters and leaving almost 90% of the coast open to fishing. The Task Force built their compromise around a “middle ground” option that had been created by a coalition of stakeholders. While the final result is a compromise, Baykeeper hopes it will provide lasting protection for our coastal ecosystems and offer a legacy for all Californians.

Need More Info?

For more information on the Marine Life Protection Act and the different proposed networks, please visit the Department of Fish and Game’s North Central Coast MLPA website at http://www.dfg.ca.gov/mlpa/northcentralcoast.asp.

Thank you for helping protect California’s oceans for future generations!