Marine Protected Areas: Special Ocean Places Deserve Special Protection

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Posted: August 17, 2009

Next came a network of California State Parks, extending from Oregon to Baja California. Our first was Big Basin Sequoias in 1902. And now California is leading the nation by establishing a network of “underwater parks,” special places called “Marine Protected Areas” (MPAs). These places deserve special protection just as the park networks do. This effort started in 2005 and will be completed by 2011.

Concerned Californians who have a “stake” in our ocean and its resources came together and continue to do so to recommend protection for areas that will make up the network. These stakeholders include commercial and recreational fishers, boaters, scientists, swimmers, birders, coastal businesses, and people who just enjoy our oceans’ beauty.

What is done to protect special ocean places depends on California’s citizens becoming involved in the designations and future protection of the places—where they are, how many, how large, how far apart, how linked, etc.

This film, directed and produced by Aquarium of the Pacific staff, presents an opportunity to experience Southern California’s underwater beauty and to learn why MPAs are needed.

What we do for our ocean and its habitats, we do for ourselves, our children and our children’s children.

This film was funded by the Resources Legacy Fund Foundation.

Video Posted: August 17, 2009

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