Support the Integrated Preferred Alternative To Protect California Coastline

by Bob Wilson

The ocean is part of what defines California—it is our scenic backdrop, our playground, and a major economic engine for the state. And it’s also home to an incredible diversity of sea life.

Now that I am retired, I have the privilege of rescuing marine mammals along the coast with The Marine Mammal Center. I also am involved with the Beach Watch program of the Farallones Marine Sanctuary Association. And while the Farallones are well-known, our stretch of the coast boasts some other, equally important treasures.

With such precious resources along our coastline, it is time to do for the ocean what we’ve been doing for 150 years on land—it is time to create underwater parks. The Marine Life Protection Act is a law designed to do just that. Local folks, including me, have been working to help shape the law’s implementation on the north central coast for two years, and the process is nearly complete.

This Thursday, the Fish and Game Commission will look at plans for a network of underwater parks, or marine protected areas, that will extend from Pigeon Point to Point Arena. The Commission has been tasked with making the final decision on plans for the north central coast network, now that fishermen, divers, scientists, and conservationists have all weighed in.

The Commission is considering a number of options, including the Integrated Preferred Alternative (IPA). The IPA is a compromise plan that would leave nearly 90% of the ocean open to fishing while protecting key sites like Montara, Point Reyes, and the Farallon Islands. It draws elements from different stakeholder proposals, balancing the needs of diverse users and the need to conserve vital marine resources.

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