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August 2010 

August 5th Hearing on Southern California MPA Network Postponed

The California Fish and Game Commission has postponed the second-to-last public hearing on the designation of a network of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) off the Southern California coast, which was scheduled to take place on August 5th in Santa Barbara.  As directed by California's Marine Life Protection Act, the Commission will soon adopt a plan designating small areas off our coast as MPAs in order to conserve and restore our marine resources. The second-to-last public hearing on the Southern California MPA network designation is now scheduled to occur on October 20-21 in San Diego, with the final adoption hearing likely to take place in Santa Barbara before the end of the year. 

Public opinion carries great weight in the Commission's decisions regarding the precise locations and levels of protection of the MPAs, so these meetings are critical opportunities for our constituents to convey their strong support for the establishment of MPAs and to counter misinformation and opposition being voiced loudly by special interests. Please consider attending and testifying at these meetings; contact us for more information by email or at (805) 563-3377 ext.2. In particular, please join Channelkeeper in supporting the establishment of a fully-protected Marine Reserve at Naples Reef off Santa Barbara's Gaviota Coast.  Naples Reef is a biological jewel, identified by scientists as one of the most diverse and productive habitats in all of Southern California.  Safeguarding such a unique reef as a fully protected underwater reserve would provide exponential biological benefits as well as incredible recreational diving opportunities.  Change.org recognizes the importance of Naples Reef and has posted a petition requesting the Commission establish a marine reserve at this iconic site.  Please click here to add your name to the hundreds who have already supported this historic opportunity to protect a local treasure.