MPAs Work: Make Your Voices Heard

I'm currently stuck in an airport, but I want to post this email that I just received from Heal the Bay concerning the California MPA process, reported on here at MBSL&S a few weeks ago. Now is the time to make your voices heard for ocean protection.

As you have likely already heard, instead of adopting one of the three map alternatives on October 22nd, the Blue Ribbon Task Force is forging their own to create a new proposal (by merging all three proposals and developing new MPA shapes). As a result, they were unable to make a final decision last week, and are delaying their final decision until November 10th.

Heal the Bay is disappointed about the delay, but we understand that the BRTF needs to weigh out the huge outpouring of public comment made last week, as well as take the time to hear more from the public.

In delaying their decision on a final map last week, the BRTF specifically asked for more written feedback from the public on their final decision.

Please help us by sending a final email to the Blue Ribbon Task Force (BRTF) by November 3. Let them know protection of Los Angeles' critical marine habitats is necessary, and throwing science under the bus is unacceptable for the health of our critical marine habitats and for our coastal economy.

Following are two options for this last chance to make your voice heard:

Write a brief email to the BRTF at MLPAComments@resources.ca.gov using your own or some of the suggested points attached to this email; or

Take 30 seconds and sign an electronic form letter which will be sent to the BRTF for you at: healthebay.org/actionalerts

Currently, the BRTF is leaning towards taking the fishing (Map 2) shape in PV to appease socioeconomic concerns in that area, and they are considering a shape slightly smaller than the compromise (Map 1) shape at Point Dume. However, last Wednesday before the amazing number of letters received and the public comment from supports like you, the BRTF was actually considering choosing the fishing map entirely! Public outcry in the form of letters and comments makes a difference.

Thank you for writing letters, attending the meetings, and wearing blue in support of science-based MPAs! We’re ALMOST done. Hang in there…

And as always, please feel free to contact me if you have any questions: cstevenson@healthebay.org.