Marine Protected Areas

Marine protected areas (MPAs) are areas seaward of the high tide line that have been designated by law, administrative action, or voter initiative to protect or conserve marine life and habitat (CA Department of Fish and Game, 2012).

Locations throughout Orange County began protecting their local seashores through city regulations in the 1990’s, but in 1999 the Marine Life Protection Act (MLPA) began the process of designing and establishing the Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) of California. After the initial implementation, a reassessment occurred within the California Department of Fish and Wildlife that created specific latitude and longitudinal boundaries, combined smaller MPAs into larger or different locations, and as of January 1, 2012, established our current network of MPAs.

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Since 2012, there have been 124 Marine Protected Areas with differing regulations throughout the California coastline and islands, and these equate to 16% of California’s waters being protected at some level.

What’s the importance of MPAs?

MPAs protect the diversity and abundance of marine life, the habitats they depend on, and the integrity of marine ecosystems. The Marine Life Protection Act recognizes that a combination of MPAs with varied amounts of allowed activities and protections (marine reserves, marine conservation areas, and marine parks) can help conserve biological diversity, provide a sanctuary for marine life, and enhance recreational and educational opportunities. MPAs can also provide scientific reference points to assist with resource management decisions, and protect a variety of marine habitats, communities, and ecosystems for their economic and intrinsic value, for generations to come.

All sites covered by the Laguna Ocean Foundation are located within the State Marine Reserve which means it is unlawful to injure, damage, take, or possess any living, geological, or cultural marine resource. The only exception is if the individual(s) possess a special permit.

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