C O A R E: Center for Oceanic Awareness, Research, and Education (COARE)

Center for Oceanic Awareness, Research, and Education
California's Marine Life Protection Act . . .

Eyes throughout California, around the United States, and even around the globe, are on California and the landmark work of the Marine Life Protection Act.

California is in the process of creating Marine Protected Areas along the North Central coast, from Half Moon Bay to Point Arena. These underwater state parks and wilderness sites will help protect diverse habitats, letting fish and marine wildlife thrive. On April 23rd, the Governor's Blue Ribbon Task Force will recommend a network of protected areas for our coastal waters.

We need your help to make sure they choose the best plan that includes some of the most important places for protecting the future of our oceans -- Package 4.

Package 4 gets the highest marks from scientists and provides the highest level of protection to special places like the rocky reefs along the Sonoma Coast, seabird nesting areas at Point Reyes, historic Fitzgerald Marine Park, and the Farallon Islands. Package 4 offers the most protection to many of the key areas for conservation within the region, while still allowing small boat fishermen access to the sea to sustain traditional fisheries. Designed with input from local residents, conservationists, and fishermen, Package 4 offers California a true ocean legacy.

This historic decision is one that will effect us all. A recommendation for the strongest possible conservation will not only protect and preserve the immediate areas involved, but will also provide a network of support and growth for marine life in surrounding areas, which, in turn, helps life in the rest of the worlds oceans. It's all connected.

Moreover, a recommendation for the strongest possible network leads the way for further Marine Protected Areas, sets a wonderful precendent, and shows the rest of the world that we care.

Regardless of where you live, please, send an email supporting Package 4 to MLPAComments@resources.ca.gov

(Note: When you send mail to that address, your name and comments will be published on the MLPA website, unless you request otherwise.)

To prevent the form letter syndrome, and to provide the greatest possible impact, we recommend you use your own words to personalize your support of the proposal with the greatest potential for conservation and restoration of our precious resources.

To help you get started, here is some sample text:
   Dear MLPA Blue Ribbon Task Force,
   
   I support the network of marine protected areas in
   Package 4 for the North Central Coast region of the
   Marine Life Protection Act.  I ask you to select 
   Package 4 as your preferred alternative.  Package 4 
   has received the highest marks from scientists, 
   provides the greatest level of protection to special 
   places along the coast, and enjoys support from a wide 
   range of interests. 
   
   Marine protected areas, and especially fully protected
   marine reserves, are an investment in the future health
   of our coastal waters.  Scientific studies confirm that
   marine reserves harbor more and larger fish, and support
   a greater diversity of life than other areas.  Healthy
   oceans support our coastal communities and our economy.
   Please give California the strongest possible legacy of
   ocean protection by recommending Package 4.
   
Please, if you do nothing else, send a quick e-mail to MLPAComments@resources.ca.gov.
If you'd like to get more involved, we are seeking people to speak in favor of Marine Protected Areas and/or to voice their support for Package 4 during the Public Comments period of the BRTF meeting on April 22nd and April 23rd.

Thank you for helping protect California's oceans for future generations!

For more information, please visit www.CalOceans.org.
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