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No Firm Proposals for Marine Reserves Off San Diego Coastline

No Firm Proposals for Marine Reserves Off San Diego Coastline
A long process to determine which areas off the coast of San Diego County should be set aside for marine reserves is nearing an end. A group trying to come up with three proposals has been meeting this week in Carlsbad.

A long process to determine which areas off the coast of San Diego County should be set aside for marine reserves is nearing an end. A group trying to come up with three proposals has been meeting this week in Carlsbad.

The Marine Life Protection Act requires the state to examine and redesign California's system of marine protected areas.

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The reserves are intended to restore fish species and improve the ocean ecosystem. Several areas have been recommended for protection off the coast of San Diego County.

But after months of meetings there are still no firm proposals.

Kate Hanley, who is with San Diego Coastkeeper, said, "We are looking at particular areas to identify as marine protected areas in order to meet the goals of the Marine Life Protection Act and to make sure that we are meeting the science when designing and implementing these new marine protected areas."

She said creating reserves in ocean waters off Del Mar, La Jolla and Encinitas were discussed this week.

The state Fish and Game Commission will consider the final recommendations later this year.