Seacidal
09-23-2008, 05:00 PM
In case any of you are wondering what sorts of guidelines will direct the MPA process --
The MLPA goals address an overall concept of ecosystem-based management and the intent to improve upon California’s existing array of marine protected areas (MPAs).
MLPA goals:
To protect the natural diversity and abundance of marine life, and the structure, function, and integrity of marine ecosystems.
To help sustain, conserve, and protect marine life populations, including those of economic value, and rebuild those that are depleted.
To improve recreational, educational, and study opportunities provided by marine ecosystems that are subject to minimal human disturbance, and to manage these uses in a manner consistent with protecting biodiversity.
To protect marine natural heritage, including protection of representative and unique marine life habitats in California waters for their intrinsic value.
To ensure that California's MPAs have clearly defined objectives, effective management measures, and adequate enforcement, and are based on sound scientific guidelines.
To ensure that the State's MPAs are designed and managed, to the extent possible, as a network.
There is some choice language in there! Keep in mind that an effective presence in this challenging process is going to require appropriate attention to all aspects of these goals.
It is unlikely that any one element would be decisive.
The MLPA goals address an overall concept of ecosystem-based management and the intent to improve upon California’s existing array of marine protected areas (MPAs).
MLPA goals:
To protect the natural diversity and abundance of marine life, and the structure, function, and integrity of marine ecosystems.
To help sustain, conserve, and protect marine life populations, including those of economic value, and rebuild those that are depleted.
To improve recreational, educational, and study opportunities provided by marine ecosystems that are subject to minimal human disturbance, and to manage these uses in a manner consistent with protecting biodiversity.
To protect marine natural heritage, including protection of representative and unique marine life habitats in California waters for their intrinsic value.
To ensure that California's MPAs have clearly defined objectives, effective management measures, and adequate enforcement, and are based on sound scientific guidelines.
To ensure that the State's MPAs are designed and managed, to the extent possible, as a network.
There is some choice language in there! Keep in mind that an effective presence in this challenging process is going to require appropriate attention to all aspects of these goals.
It is unlikely that any one element would be decisive.