I strongly support the Marine Life Protection Act (MLPA) process and the establishment of a network of marine protected areas (MPAs) along the Southern California coast.
Map 3 provides a strong backbone of marine reserves that thoroughly meets all the science guidelines provided by the Science Advisory Team. Map 3 is critical for the success of the MPA network and for the recovery and protection of what is left of the ecosystem. It is also the best bet for sustaining the fishing industry into the future.
Eastern Point Dume is critical as a breeding ground, nursery and important habitat for southern California’s marine life. Further, its diversity and unique beauty needs to be preserved, as was the visionary establishment of National Parks in Yosemite, Yellowstone and the Everglades 100 years ago. We need to have the vision to do the same for these marine habitats.
Map 2 falls short of meeting the science guidelines, and will not result in the protection of quality habitats necessary to ensure the recovery and sustainability of Southern California’s fisheries and marine life. Map 1 is a mockery of the MLPA purpose.
The economic activity of California is largely fueled by the health of coastal resources. It is vital that we invest in our future. The time is now to seize the opportunity to heed the sound advice of the highly qualified scientists who recommend the implementation of map 3 for the eastern Point Dume MPA.
Alexandra Tower
Former member of the Pepperdine Biology faculty.