Our ocean is in crisis. There is a critical need for more effective conservation of sensitive habitats, biodiversity, and populations of exploited species.
California’s Marine Life Protection Act http://www.dfg.ca.gov/mlpa, enacted with bipartisan support, calls for the creation of a science-based network of ocean protected areas with a core of marine reserves to protect sensitive sea life and habitats. Such a network can help restore the state’s ocean waters to health.
Scientific studies of existing marine reserves have shown increased fish size, abundance, and productivity, as well as increased biodiversity and resilience. |
Marine reserves are effective within their boundaries:
- Reserves result in long lasting and often rapid increases in the abundance, diversity and productivity of fish and marine life.
- Reserves reduce mass mortality, habitat destruction and probability of extinction for marine species living within them.
Marine reserves are effective outside their boundaries:
- There is increasing evidence that reserves replenish populations regionally, as studies have found that the size and abundance of exploited species increase in areas next to reserves.
Marine reserve networks are effective:
- Marine reserve networks provide greater protection for marine communities than a single marine reserve.
- An effective network needs to span large geographic distances to protect against catastrophes
That’s why the California League of Conservation Voters strongly supports MLPA implementation.
For more information on the CLCV, visit our website, www.ecovote.org |
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