California’s First Network of Marine Protected Areas Established with LightHawk Support

Driving down the coast of California is an all-American road trip. Flying the coast is an eye-opening, profound experience, bringing to light blue whales breaching, kelp forests that sway in the ocean swells, and the majestic beauty of the cliffs that slide well below the ocean surface. Until recently, California’s stunning coast and marine ecosystems were largely unprotected and in decline. The diving community was witnessing a decline in marine life, the fishing industry experienced a reduced catch of 50 percent from historic levels in just the last two decades, and beach closures were becoming commonplace.

After many years of effort, in April 2007, the California Fish and Game Commission (CDFG) established a network of 29 Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), covering approximately 204 square miles of state waters along the Central Coast, which ranges from Pigeon Point in San Mateo County south to Point Conception in Santa Barbara County. To help achieve this landmark success, LightHawk began collaborating in early 2006 with The Ocean Conservancy, the Monterey Bay Aquarium, and The Otter Project to build public support for the MPAs.

MPAs are designed to protect and restore fish and wildlife and their natural habitats from threats that range from coastal development to unsustainable fishing practices while enhancing outdoor recreation and ocean research opportunities. Early attempts to establish MPAs failed largely because there was limited input and buy-in from local stakeholders. Flights conducted by our volunteer pilots helped to further public understanding of the need for MPAs, which will protect deep undersea canyons, rich kelp forests, rocky reefs, and other underwater habitats vital to healthy marine habitats and abundant fish and wildlife populations.

In one day alone LightHawk provided nearly a dozen educational tour flights, to representatives from the Associated Press, local newspapers, the California Coastal Commission, the Governor's Blue Ribbon Task Force on Marine Protected Areas, the California Department of Fish and Game, and several conservation organizations. These flights, preceded by a morning briefing and Q & A session, provided participants the opportunity to learn about the issues involved in the establishment of the MPAs from prominent marine scientists. Viewing the proposed MPA sites first-hand, and learning about the opportunities reserves would provide for improving the health of California’s marine fisheries, resulted in supportive articles in each of the media outlets represented on the flights.

Big Sur's new reserve protects one of the largest and most productive kelp beds in the state, like this one found along the Central Coast. Ed Steinman/LightHawk