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Protecting Marine Areas Off San Diego

Implementation of a California state law to protect fragile marine areas has reached the waters off San Diego. Studies have shown the reserves help build up fish populations. KPBS Environmental Report

Protecting Marine Areas Off San Diego

Implementation of a California state law to protect fragile marine areas has reached the waters off San Diego. Studies have shown the reserves help build up fish populations. KPBS Environmental Reporter Ed Joyce explains.

The Marine Life Protection Act, or MLPA, requires the creation of a network of marine protected areas off California's coast.

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San Diego Coastkeeper Marine Conservation Director Kate Hanley is a member of the MLPA South Coast Regional group.

The group starts work next week on figuring out which areas will be protected between Santa Barbara and the Mexican border.

Hanley:
So what we're really doing is working together to find some common ground in to where these marine protected areas will be placed, based on the guidelines that the science advisory team will put in place for the Southern California region.

She says scientific studies show the reserves result in larger, more abundant, healthier and more fertile fish populations.

Hanley says recommendations for the south coast are expected to be completed by late next year.

Ed Joyce, KPBS News.

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