Legislators Thank Governor for Marine Protected Area Leadership

Governor Urged to Keep MPA Network a Priority

Environment California Research & Policy Center

Sacramento – As California families begin to plan summer trips to the beach, 29 California legislators released a letter thanking Governor Brown for his leadership to conserve California’s Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). Nathan Weaver, Oceans Advocate with Environment California, issued the following statement:

“I applaud Governor Brown and Resources Secretary John Laird for their work conserving California’s MPAs. I am proud to stand with California’s elected leaders in thanking Governor Brown and Secretary Laird for their MPA leadership. I look forward to working with Governor Brown and his team to ensure the continued success of our Marine Protected Area Network.

“The Pacific Ocean and our incredible coast are treasures for every Californian to enjoy. Like ‘underwater parks,’ California’s Marine Protected Areas conserve many of the beautiful and ecologically important places along our coast. La Jolla’s rocky reefs, Central Coast kelp forests, the Monterey Submarine Canyon, and Point Dume’s rich intertidal zone are all important pieces of the MPA Network.

“The continued implementation and monitoring of our MPAs is critical to ensuring their success and protecting the Pacific Ocean. Across state government, the Brown Administration is working to ensure that our MPAs succeed. Under Secretary Laird’s leadership, this includes critical work by the Department of Fish and Wildlife, Ocean Protection Council, State Water Resources Control Board, California Coastal Commission, and the California Ocean Science Trust.

“I thank Governor Brown and Secretary Laird for their continued support of key entities responsible for MPA implementation.”

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Environment California is a state-based, citizen-funded, environmental advocacy organization working toward a cleaner, greener, healthier future.