Transcript Document
The Marine Life Protection Act and Marine Protected Areas Of the Central Coast of California The MLPA Initiative Purpose: Improving life in the Marine Protected Areas. 6 Goals of the MLPA • To protect the natural diversity and abundance • • of marine life and to maintain the marine ecosystems To help sustain, conserve and protect marine life populations and rebuild those that are depleted. This includes those of economic value. To improve recreational, educational and study opportunities provided by marine ecosystems subject to minimal human disturbance. And to manage these to protect biodiversity. 6 Goals of the MLPA, cont. • To protect marine natural heritage, including • • protection of representative and unique marine habitats in California for their intrinsic value. To ensure California’s MPAs have clearly defined objectives, effective management measures and adequate enforcement. And are based on sound scientific guidelines. To ensure that the MPAs are designed and managed as a network. What are Marine Protected Areas (MPAs)? • Areas designated to protect marine life and • • ecosystems. They include: state marine reserves state marine parks state marine conservation areas MPAs are assisting in the conservation of the marine life and their habitats. MPAs allow for • In marine reserves: boating, diving, research, • • and education are allowed as long as the area is undisturbed and unpolluted. In state marine parks: recreational fishing is allowed with restrictions for the protection of marine life; commercial extraction is prohibited. In state marine conservation areas: specified commercial and recreational activities are allowed, including fishing for certain species, fishing with certain practices, and kelp harvesting. Research and education are also allowed. These activities are allowed as long as the marine life is not compromised. Where are the MPAs? • The MPAs begin at Pigeon Point and continue south to Point Conception. More information on MPAs and the MLPA in general Commercial Fishing has depleted many species’ populations The Sardine was fished to the point of commercial extinction The Market Squid supported the largest fishery in Monterey Bay The Octopus population was affected by a small fishery on the Central Coast These populations and others have begun to recover with strict fishery management and improved habitat conditions Recreational fishing has also affected populations Two of the many species affected The Shiner Surfperch & Kelp Bass Both of which are common recreational catches in California Overfishing Abalone Abalone face extinction due to overfishing and disease Mussels Overharvest, siltation and pollution have contributed to the decline of mussels. Too much is too much Pacific Angel Shark Fished increasingly as their population decreased. Bat Ray Popular with sport fishermen. Also, thought to have eaten large numbers of oysters and were killed for it by oyster farmers. Recently it was found that crabs killed the oysters and Bat Rays eat crabs. Asian Markets California Sheephead Small, pre-adult, usually female were sought for aquariums. Sheephead became a large share of the catches. Sea Cucumber Fisheries need a permit to fish for Sea Cucumbers, but there is no limit of animals caught. Pollution Urban runoff, sludge, silt, sewage, and oil have devastating effects on marine life. Giant Kelp Sea Stars Shrimp It is also best to leave the sea stars and other marine life alone when visiting the sea shore. When we protect wetlands against development, we protect the homes of many animals, including the Clam and Sea Hare Bycatch and Habitat Damage Tuna Sought by purse seine and longlining fleets. Purse Seines catch unwanted fish and other animals. Longlines kill large numbers of sea turtles. Wolf Eel Rockhopper trawls damage the rocky reefs where fish and other animals live. Reproduction Catching fish faster than they can reproduce Rockfish Big Skate Some species of rockfish don’t breed until they are 20 years old and have very few young. Big Skates live longer and produce fewer offspring More species likely to benefit The Marine Life Protection Act: http://www.dfg.ca.gov/mrd/mlpa/pdfs/mp081506_full.pdf