Yesterday, the Blue Ribbon Task Force for the Marine Life Protection Act heard the comments of hundreds of South Coast citizens who care passionately about the future of California's oceans.  From 9 AM until 11 PM, with just a few short breaks for food, literally hundreds of people from all walks of life spoke out to support marine protected areas that will work best to protect and restore the health of California's essential ocean ecosystem.  Today, the task force will choose its preferred alternative for a South Coast network of marine protected areas.

One of the most heartening things about the meeting yesterday was the presence of school kids representing communities from all around Southern California.  About 300 high school students and their families and teachers came from Compton High School in Los Angeles, the San Fernando Valley, Imperial Beach and Chula Vista in San Diego  County to participate in this important public process.    

The field of ocean conservation is notoriously lacking in diversity, so it was truly inspiring to have the participation of so many students representing latino and other communities of color.  For many people, there is no opportunity to travel to remote locations to see beautiful reefs and vibrant sea life --  the ocean off our own remarkable coast needs to be protected for all to experience and enjoy.

Marine biology students from Chadwick School on the Palos Verdes peninsula also spoke eloquently in favor of the Conservation Proposal for protected areas. 

Although many didn't have the opportunity to speak before the task force, the presence of so many teachers and their students made a strong statement in favor of a balanced network of marine protected areas on the south coast - the Conservation Alternative Proposal 3.

 Watch the task force deliberation live.