05-03-2007, 06:10 AM
The California Fish and Game Commission made its final decision on Central Coast marine protected areas (MPAs) under California's Marine Life Protection Act (MLPA). The result is the designation of 29 MPAs representing approximately 204 square miles (or approximately 18 percent) of state waters within the Central Coast study area. Eighty-five (85) square miles were designated as no-take state marine reserves. ASA, along with a number of California angling organizations, is working to ensure that the next phase of closures under the MLPA, which will determine designations along the North Central coast, will give more consideration to recreational anglers and businesses. ASA has retained a representative in Sacramento to assist in this process.