After 3 days of extensive meetings and a reported 1500 people showing up to give public comment, the Blue Ribbon Task Force ultimately delayed their vote to choose a preferred alternative network of marine protected areas for the South Coast of California.  The task force members and staff should be highly commended for their solid commitment to this process, demonstrated by many long hours of meetings, very late nights, patient dialogue, and careful evaluation of data, science guidelines, and extensive public input. 

The task force decided to delay the vote because there are still key areas where an acceptable balance could not be struck between meeting the science guidelines and accounting for the concerns and input of stakeholders.  The Task Force requested additional scientific information to help them make their decision.

The delay may be a bit frustrating for the hundreds of school kids, teachers, and citizens who traveled from around the South Coast to voice their opinion at this meeting, but it does show that the Task Force is committed to careful deliberation and making the best choice possible.

The Task Force is planning to reconvene on November 10, in Los Angeles, to vote on their preferred network.   If you have not done so already, we encourage you to send the Task Force an email or letter in support of the conservation plan, Proposal 3, because it will best serve the people and wildlife of Southern California.  The conservation plan focuses on protecting high quality habitat that is critical for sea life and supports the diving, swimming, kayaking, and many other activities that make coastal tourism and recreation a $110 billion/year driver of California's economy.