Santa Monica, December 12, 2023. In a significant move to protect ocean life, Environment California, along with Mayor Gleam Davis of Santa Monica and State Senator Ben Allen, has unveiled new proposals aimed at strengthening Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in California. This announcement, made at a press conference at Santa Monica Muscle Beach, is in line with Governor Newsom's ambitious 30x30 goal, which seeks to protect 30% of California's lands and coastal waters by 2030.

Rachel Lucine, from Environment California Research and Policy Center, emphasized the urgency of protecting marine life, including sea otters and leatherback turtles, amidst increasing human-induced threats. The initiative is a step forward in reinforcing California's commitment to ocean conservation.

The proposals put forth two key petitions. The first seeks to tackle the drastic 95% decline in Northern California's kelp forests since 2014, by expanding six crucial marine refuges and proposing a new marine reserve near Santa Cruz. Highlighted in this plan are expansions in areas such as Point Dume and Farnsworth State Marine Conservation Areas, located off Los Angeles County's coast. The second petition focuses on enhancing protection levels in three existing MPAs, ensuring better ecological preservation and conservation outcomes.

State Senator Ben Allen, chair of the Senate Environmental Quality Committee, underscored the importance of MPAs not just as policy measures but as a commitment to the soul of the region, including Santa Monica Bay beaches. He emphasized the irreplaceable nature of oceans and coastlines for community well-being.

This announcement precedes an upcoming meeting of the state Fish and Game Commission in San Diego, where these and other related petitions will be considered for the first time. Final decisions are expected at the Commission's February meeting.

Highlighting the broader community's perspective, Jennifer Gonzalez-Espinoza, a UCLA student with CALPIRG, stressed the need for robust ocean protections, recognizing their importance for recreation, connection, and the future of younger generations.

California's network of marine protected areas, established a decade ago under the 1999 Marine Life Protection Act, currently covers 12% of state waters with strong protection, with an additional 4% lacking effective conservation measures. Recent scientific reviews of the network have shown positive impacts on fish populations and ecosystem resilience, including kelp forests.

Mayor Gleam Davis of Santa Monica reflected on the deep connection between the community and marine life, viewing ocean protections as a pledge to preserve this bond. She highlighted the role of the coastline in fostering a sense of wonder and joy among residents, underlining the importance of its preservation.

Rachel Lucine reiterated the need for California to lead in marine conservation, urging support from the Fish and Game Commission for these groundbreaking proposals.

Environment California Research and Policy Center is calling on Californians to support these initiatives by signing and sharing the petition, urging state lawmakers and officials to adopt these proposals for the benefit of the state's marine ecosystems.