Center for Oceanic Awareness, Research, and Education

The MLPA needs your help . . .
Monday, 31 March 2008

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Contents:
  - MLPA needs your help
  - Sacramento Oceans Day
  - Earth Day
  - Sharkwater returns to US theaters
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Hello, fellow ocean lovers!

This month's newsletter is not as dense as last month's,
and we certainly hope that it has fewer typos and
grammatical errors.  If you didn't notice the embarrassing
number of mistakes, never mind.  If you did, we hope you 
aren't holding it against us.  We'll blame it on the odd
hours that we often send these things.  =)


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

In previous newsletters, we've made mention of some of
the noteworthy achievements thus far.  The process for
the North Central Coast region is nearing an end, and on
April 23rd, the Governor's Blue Ribbon Task Force (BRTF) 
will recommend a network of protected areas between Half 
Moon Bay and Point Arena.

We need your help to make sure they choose the best 
plan to protect the future of our oceans, and we're
recommending support for "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 the best places in 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 precedent, and shows the rest 
of the world that we care.

It's especially important that the BRTF hear from people
who live in study region, but 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.)

You can view a sample letter, and learn more about
Package 4 at http://coare.org/act/mlpa/

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!

 ---

Speaking of politics, this Wednesday, 02 April, marks
the first Sacramento Oceans Day.  Taking place in the 
State's Capitol city, this event is specifically 
designed to share perspective and valuable information
with California's leaders and elected officials.  If you
live in or around Sacramento, or are willing to visit for
the day, please let us know.

 ---

By now, you've heard heaps about the film Sharkwater.
It's in the midst of its European openings, but began a
return engagement in the US this month in 29 states.

If you haven't yet seen it, now's the time to catch it!
Check http://sharkwater.com/screenings.htm for showtimes.

 ---

Lastly, we'd like to mention that Earth Day (22 April)
is approaching.  We're planning to hit shores around the
Bay Area to document the results of the various beach
cleanups.  We're seeking volunteers to assist in the
production.  If you're interested, please let us know.
Film experience is greatly preferred.  If you are not
able to help, you may want to sign up for a local 
clean-up event, where we'll catch you on the other side 
of the lens.  =)

 ---

Well, that's it for this month.  Please remember to send
that e-mail to MLPAComments@resources.ca.gov expressing
your support for the proposal with the strongest
conservation potential: Package 4.


Please feel free to share this newsletter with friends, 
family, and colleagues.  If you received this newsletter 
second hand, we encourage you to subscribe directly by 
visiting http://coare.org/subscribe/


Wishing you healthy oceans,
 - Your friends at COARE

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