New Protections Planned for Northern
California's Coastal Waters

December 21, 2006

Media Contact: Tom McCann

San Francisco, CA — The California Resources Agency and Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger announced today that the state will design a network of marine protected areas for California’s coast from Half Moon Bay to Point Arena. The announcement starts the next phase of the state’s work to implement the Marine Life Protection Act (MLPA), a landmark environmental law passed in 1999. Under the MLPA, the state must improve its system of marine protected areas—sites where destructive activities are restricted to help restore ocean wildlife and habitats. The state is nearing completion of a proposal for a network along the Central Coast.

“California is continuing to lead the way with better management and protection of its ocean wildlife,” said Karen Garrison, ocean policy analyst at NRDC. “By investing in our coasts today, the state will reap the benefits far into the future.”

Marine protected areas are widely considered by scientists to be an essential part of restoring and safeguarding ocean resources for the future, as reflected by the 2001 National Center for Ecological Analysis and Synthesis statement signed by 161 leading scientists. Off the west coast, seven kinds of groundfish remain classified as overfished by the federal government and some will take decades to recover.

“We’re glad Governor Schwarzenegger is keeping up the momentum started on the Central Coast and making good on the promise of the MLPA,” said Tim Eichenberg. “Northern California’s coast has many important and sensitive areas that need to be protected to maintain the long term health and productivity of the marine environment.”

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The Ocean Conservancy promotes healthy and diverse ocean ecosystems and opposes practices that threaten ocean life and human life. Through research, education, and science-based advocacy, The Ocean Conservancy informs, inspires, and empowers people to speak and act on behalf of the oceans. In all its work, The Ocean Conservancy strives to be the world's foremost advocate for the oceans.

The Natural Resources Defense Council is a national, nonprofit organization of scientists, lawyers and environmental specialists dedicated to protecting public health and the environment. Founded in 1970, NRDC has more than 550,000 members nationwide, served from offices in New York, Washington, Santa Monica and San Francisco.