Bush Designates 3 Areas of Pacific as Marine National Monuments

This came out today. I am just posting this information, not editorializing one way or the other.....

President Bush Designates Ocean Protection

The decision to make the designations under the Antiquities Act, coming just two weeks before Bush leaves office, means that he will have protected more square miles of ocean than any person in history. In 2006 Bush created the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, an area of 138,000 square miles.

While not all areas within the designated monuments will be fully protected -- slightly less than 60 percent of the total will be subject to prohibitions on fishing and other extractive activities -- environmentalists praised Bush for the move.

"We should thank our blessings"

"We should thank our blessings"

Very true, it is rare that you will find someone like that who is willing to go to great lengths to protect the environment. Hopefully the next adminstration can hold up the high standards that have been set.

"I know the human being and fish can co-exist peacefully."

"I know the human being and fish can co-exist peacefully."

That is great...I now have tears running down from that one, no joke. Thanks....

My favorite part of that article..."Bush, a fisherman himself, has consistently demonstrated more of an interest in marine issues than in other environmental matters, even making ocean conservation the theme of last year's Easter Egg Roll."

My favorite part of that article..."Bush, a fisherman himself, has consistently demonstrated more of an interest in marine issues than in other environmental matters, even making ocean conservation the theme of last year's Easter Egg Roll."

There is a bit of feeling like stepping through the Looking Glass or perhaps The Onion took over somewhere and I missed it.

Hi everyone,

I just wanted to let you all know that there is a process happening now to create marine protected areas along the coast of Southern California, similar to the marine monuments that Bush just created. The goal of California's Marine Life Protection Act Initiative (MLPA) is to design a network of marine protected areas that will preserve our best kelp forests, submarine canyons and rocky reefs while leaving the majority of coastal waters open for fishing and other uses. Marine protected areas are popular with divers, underwater photographers, and snorkelers, but they are also good for surfers, birders, and hikers. Healthy marine ecosystems mean better wildlife viewing opportunities, both underwater and on land.

The process to create Marine Protected Areas in Southern California, between Point Conception and the U.S./Mexico border is a collaborative effort between a broad range of community groups including fisherman, underwater photographers, divers, kayakers, surfers, and conservationists, and public participation in the process is essential. My goal is to inform the public that this process is happening and to encourage their direct involvement. It is important that the voices of the underwater photography/videography community are heard through this process. There are many ways to get involved: come to a public meeting and voice your support, send letters of support to the California Fish and Game Commission, write a letter to your local newspaper, or tell your friends and family about this landmark process to leave an ocean legacy for future generations.

Please be aware that the creation of MPAs will not, in any way, limit the use of these areas for non-consumptive uses such as diving, swimming, surfing, and photography.

If you need more information, please check out www.caloceans.org or contact me at jennfeinberg.nrdc@gmail.com.

Also, Saturday, January 17th is Underwater Parks Day! Celebrate the creation of marine protected areas or "underwater parks" by attending events at the following Southern California aquaria!

Aquarium of the Pacific (Long Beach)

Birch Aquarium (La Jolla)

Cabrillo Marine Aquarium (San Pedro)

Ocean Institute (Dana Point)

Santa Monica Pier Aquarium (Santa Monica)

Sea Life Aquarium (at LegoLand in Carlsbad)

Ty Warner Sea Center (Santa Barbara)

Thanks and I hope to hear from you all soon.

Jenn

Hi everyone,

 

I just wanted to let you all know that there is a process happening now to create marine protected areas along the coast of Southern California, similar to the marine monuments that Bush just created. The goal of California's Marine Life Protection Act Initiative (MLPA) is to design a network of marine protected areas that will preserve our best kelp forests, submarine canyons and rocky reefs while leaving the majority of coastal waters open for fishing and other uses. Marine protected areas are popular with divers, underwater photographers, and snorkelers, but they are also good for surfers, birders, and hikers. Healthy marine ecosystems mean better wildlife viewing opportunities, both underwater and on land.

 

Thanks and I hope to hear from you all soon.

 

Jenn

Welcome to Wetpixel

Very cool. If I was in California I would love to help. The only thing I can say is make the MPA even bigger;)

Some of my thoughts on Marine Parks