Regional Management in a Statewide Marine Protected Area Process: The Marine Life Protection Act Working Groups

摘要

The Marine Life Protection Act was passed in 1999 and created new requirements for the development and management of California's Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). Most importantly the act directed the Department of Fish and Game to develop a "Master Plan" for the State's MPAs which includes information on how to improve the existing array of areas. The Act also requires that the Department prepare the Master Plan "with the advice, assistance, and involvement of participants in the various fisheries and their representatives, marine conservationists, marine scientists, and other interested persons." Involving a broad group of constituencies is a critical part in planning MPAs, both to obtain local knowledge and to develop plans that are acceptable to the public. Without constituent acceptance, MPAs may be difficult to enforce, and the overall process can become bogged down with legal challenges to both the process and any new regulations. Regional differences in the level of protection needed and how constituents view the role of MPAs are also important. To develop regionally based recommendations, involve a broad group of constituents, and prepare a Master Plan for the State's MPAs, the Department has convened seven regional Working Groups. These groups will meet over the next few years as the Master Plan is drafted. Each group will provide input on potential MPA networks in their regions and help the Department prepare alternatives to present to the Fish and Game Commission.