This World Oceans Day, Celebrate the Parks of the Sea

Co-Authored with Karen Garrison

What better way to celebrate the international holiday honoring the oceans than by paying respect to the marine protected areas of the world?!  Marine protected areas (MPAs) are recognized the world over as important tools to help protect and restore ailing ocean ecosystems, in conjunction with improved fishery management.  MPAs come in many shapes and sizes-they may be sanctuaries, reserves, or monuments-and they allow a varied array of human activities.   

Experience in the U.S. Channel Islands and many case studies around the globe show that "Protecting the oceans through marine protected areas can provide higher and more sustained income through tourism and controlled fisheries than continued exploitation."  Marine reserves, the most protective type of MPA, have a particularly hefty track record of benefits.   

While there are many MPAs around the world, the fraction of the ocean that enjoys a high level of protection remains tiny, and the health of global oceans continues to decline. More areas clearly need to be set aside for meaningful protection.  However, creating new MPAs can be challenging because change is difficult and almost every inch of the ocean is currently used, often by a variety of interests.  Establishing new MPAs requires strong leadership in the face of political opposition. 

Nowhere is strong leadership more critical than in California, which is smack in the middle of creating a statewide network of MPAs, as required by a landmark law called the Marine Life Protection Act (MLPA).  Just in time for World Oceans Day, Resources Secretary Mike Chrisman has displayed such leadership in a letter to the state's Fish and Game Commission. His letter affirms that the process has sufficient funds and underscores the Schwarzenegger Administration's continued full support for the MLPA process.  We applaud both the governor and the legislature for their leadership and focus on leaving a legacy of healthier oceans-for all Californians.  In the Secretary's words:

"The MLPA is a science-based, stakeholder driven process, where every voice can be heard and all interests are invited to the table to discuss implementation of the law in an open and transparent manner.  Hundreds of people have directly participated, tens of thousands of hours have been dedicated, and dozens of groups are committed to making this process a success. Ultimately, those who will most directly benefit in the long term from a healthy ocean, namely recreational and commercial fishermen, are being hurt by those few who seem opposed to the MLPA Initiative."

All the pieces are in place:  now the Commissioners, who vote on a preferred MPA network for the north central coast in August, have a chance to play a role in history.

June 8th is officially World Oceans Day-- whether you can go now, next weekend or next month-- visit a marine protected area, dive, swim, surf, or stroll along the beach, and enjoy the precious resources that belong to us all.