The MPA Collaborative Network
Empowering California’s Coastal Communities in the stewardship of California’s marine protected areas
Write up provided by ECO Coordinator Bridget Darrah
On October 2, 2024 the San Diego Marine Protected Area (MPA) Collaborative met to discuss ongoing petitions and updates about the Southern California MPAs. The mission of the 14 collective collaboratives is to empower diverse communities to engage in Marine Protected Area stewardship for a healthy ocean.
The meeting kicked off with a presentation by Wildcoast, which focused on the Tijuana River pollution and debris floating into the MPA on Imperial Beach. Community members affected in the Tijuana community have reached out to Wildcoast to ask for help in recycling efforts. In response, Wildcoast has initiated the installation of a trash boom—a floating device designed to capture floating waste—while also employing local residents to manage and clean up trash, establishing community collection points for recycling. Funding has been secured to implement a second trash boom, anticipated to collect thousands of pounds of debris.
Additionally, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) gave updates on their petition process as well as the next steps in their approval process. The department follows a decadal management review process to assess petitions and incorporates feedback from stakeholders. Notably, five petitions will directly impact San Diego’s MPAs, while 15 additional petitions have been categorized for further evaluation. Upcoming meetings in October and November will focus on progress updates and discussions of draft recommendations.
Those with petitions also spoke, in order to gain insight for suggestions of stakeholders and people who utilize the areas. One of which is the California Sea Urchin Commission, which is advocating for regulatory changes to allow for sea urchin fisheries to allow for the collection of sea urchins in Swami’s State Marine Conservation Area to promote kelp forest growth. Another discussed was a petition by Azul and the Environment California Research and Policy Center which emphasizes the need for expanded protections of the Cabrillo Reserve. Wildcoast then presented a petition to adjust the boundaries of the Swami’s SMCA 300 feet South to encompass critical tidepool areas, highlighting ongoing discussions around sustainable fishing practices and environmental stewardship.
Overall, the meeting highlighted collaborative efforts to enhance marine conservation and address pressing environmental challenges, reflecting a commitment to engaging local communities in these initiatives.
