Twenty-one marine protected areas (MPAs) adopted last year by the California Fish and Game Commission will take effect May 1, 2010 along California's north-central coast. The new regulations are being implemented as part of the Marine Life Protection Act (MLPA), which requires that California reexamine and redesign its system of MPAs with the goal of increasing its effectiveness at protecting the states marine life and habitats, marine ecosystems, and marine natural heritage.
In addition to the 21 MPAs, the new regulations include three state marine recreational management areas (SMRMAs) and six special closures, in total covering approximately 153 square miles (20.1 percent) of state waters in the study region. Approximately 86 square miles (11 percent) are designated as "no take" state marine reserves, while the remaining areas have different take allowances providing varying levels of protection.
Specific details about each MPA, SMRMA and special closure are available at www.dfg.ca.gov/mlpa.
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