On December 9, 2009, the MLPA Initiative's marine protected area planning process came to a close as the MLPA Blue Ribbon Task Force transmitted its recommendations to the California Fish and Game Commission. The recommendations included the MLPA South Coast Integrated Preferred Alternative (IPA) MPA Proposal, as well as three MPA proposals developed by the MLPA South Coast Regional Stakeholder Group (with a few revisions the stakeholders had requested). This outcome was the result of more than 18 months of planning and countless hours of work by the regional stakeholders, science advisory team, staff and, perhaps most importantly, members of the public. The transfer of these proposals to the commission signifies the end of the planning process and beginning of the commission's regulatory and environmental review processes in the south coast study region.

Throughout the planning process, we relied heavily on local knowledge provided by you, the public, to help guide the development of the MPA proposals. We received more than 5,000 written comments in the month of October alone, and heard verbal public comments at every general meeting, ensuring all MLPA Initiative groups were able to bring local knowledge and concerns into every stage of the MPA planning process.

While there was not always agreement among members from different constituent groups, we were able to work through our differences in a constructive and amicable manner. On behalf of the MLPA Initiative Team, thank you for your dedication to our shared coastal resources and for your tremendous contribution to the MPA planning process in the south coast study region.

Wishing peace and happiness to you and yours as we welcome the New Year!

~Ken Wiseman, Executive Director

Meeting Highlights
October 20-22 & November 10, 2009 Agenda & Meeting Materials

During its eleventh meeting on October 20-22 and November 10, the MLPA Blue Ribbon Task Force (BRTF) reviewed the "Round 3" MLPA South Coast Regional Stakeholder Group (SCRSG) marine protected area proposals and considered what to include in a preferred alternative to be recommended to the California Fish and Game Commission.

The BRTF received analyses and evaluations of the Round 3 proposals from the MLPA Master Plan Science Advisory Team (SAT), California Department of Fish and Game (DFG), California Department of Parks and Recreation (State Parks) and MLPA Initiative staff. The SCRSG also provided the BRTF with background and process information regarding the development of Round 3 MPA proposals; the SCRSG also recommended changes to the proposals based on Round 3 results. More than 1,200 members of the public participated in two public comment periods, resulting in more than seven hours of verbal comment and hundreds of written comment.

After two days of discussion and deliberations, a subset of MPAs from the three SCRSG MPA proposals were tentatively identified by the BRTF for inclusion in a preferred alternative. In addition, the BRTF identified alternative options for four general geographies: Point Dume (three options), Palos Verdes (two options), Orange County (two options) and San Diego (four options). The BRTF recessed on October 22, requesting separate analysis on the alternative options under discussion. In addition, the BRTF indicated that all three revised SCRSG proposals would be forwarded to the commission.

On November 10, the BRTF reconvened to further discuss the different options. After several hours of deliberation and consideration of staff analyses, the task force unanimously adopted a preferred alternative that integrates elements from the three SCRSG MPA proposals, referred to as the MLPA South Coast Integrated Preferred Alternative MPA Proposal, or the IPA. The BRTF voted to recommend the IPA to the commission as the preferred alternative, and to also forward for consideration the three revised Round 3 SCRSG MPA proposals.

California Fish and Game Commission
Next Steps for MPA Proposals Developed for the MLPA South Coast Study Region

At its joint meeting with the BRTF on December 9, the commission identified the IPA as the proposed project and guided staff to include revised SCRSG MPA proposals 1, 2, and 3 as alternatives, with the possibility of adding feasibility options developed by DFG. The commission made it clear that this vote was "guidance to staff" and not a regulatory vote. The commission also made it clear it was not selecting a "preferred" project at that time, but needed to designate a "proposed" project to allow staff to initiate the regulatory process under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).

As required by the California Administrative Procedure Act, the commission will hold at least two hearings to receive public comment on the proposed MPA regulations in the south coast to help inform a final decision; these hearings are anticipated to take place in the spring of 2010, where members of the public will have an opportunity to provide comments. There will also be an opportunity to comment on the draft environmental impact report developed under CEQA that is expected to be released for public review in 2010. Information about the commission meeting schedule and how to provide public comment can be found on the commission website at www.fgc.ca.gov

What's next for the MLPA Initiative?

The MLPA Initiative will now fully focus its planning efforts on the north coast of California, where the initial outreach began this last summer and has recently moved into developing the first round of MPA arrays. If you have friends or family in the MLPA North Coast Study Region (from the California/Oregon border to Alder Creek, near Point Arena in Mendocino County), we appreciate your assistance in encouraging them to participate in the MPA planning process. Given the shift in focus to the north, you will find that MLPA Initiative list server messages will also begin to primarily focus on MLPA activities in the north coast; however, we will send notices to the list when the commission announces dates or documents for the south coast regulatory process.