iSACRAMENTO - The California Department of Fish and Game (DFG) has announced two public meetings to review proposed marine protected areas (MPAs) along California's central coast. These scoping meetings, which will begin the environmental review process, are scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 10 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Morro Bay Veterans Memorial Building, 209 Surf St., Morro Bay, and Friday, Aug. 11 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Monterey Beach Resort, 2600 Sand Dunes Dr. in Monterey.

"This is the public's chance to comment on what will be studied during environmental review of the central coast marine protected areas project and is an important part of fulfilling the goals of the Marine Life Protection Act (MLPA)," said DFG Director Ryan Broddrick. "It's important that people come out and let us know their opinion of the MLPA proposals."

DFG is asking the public, agencies and other interested parties to help identify the range of issues and type of information to be considered in the development of an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) pursuant to the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). CEQA requires that decision-making agencies and the public be informed of any potentially significant environmental and other effects before a proposed project is approved.

DFG has already taken steps to identify and evaluate any potential negative effects associated with its preferred alternative proposal. However, comments received at the meetings or in writing prior to Aug. 15 will assist DFG in identifying the range of potential actions, alternatives, mitigation measures and significant effects that should be further analyzed.

Comments may be submitted on DFG's preferred alternative for a proposed MPA network as well as other alternatives suggested by a special Blue Ribbon Task Force earlier this year, all of which will be examined in the EIR. The proposed MPA packages cover state waters from Pigeon Point in the north to Point Conception in the south.

A copy of the scoping meeting notice may be obtained at http://www.dfg.ca.gov/mrd/MLPA/pdfs/preferred0.pdf

The Marine Life Protection Act (MLPA) directs the state to design and manage a network of MPAs through a comprehensive program and management plan. Its primary goals are to protect marine life and habitats, marine ecosystems and marine natural heritage, as well as improve recreational educational and study opportunities provided by marine ecosystems. Marine protected areas include state marine reserves, state marine parks and state marine conservation areas. For more information on MLPA visit DFG's Web site at ?Įwww.dfg.ca.gov/mrd/mlpa/.