In
2002 the California Fish and Game Commission established a network
of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) within the nearshore waters of
the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary (sanctuary). NOAA
expanded the MPA network into the sanctuary’s deeper waters
in 2006 and 2007. The entire MPA network consists of 11 marine
reserves where all take and harvest is prohibited, and two marine
conservation areas that allow limited take of lobster and pelagic
fish (see map). This MPA network encompass 241 square nautical
miles (or 318 square miles) making it the largest network off
of the continental United States. The Channel Islands MPA network
is designed to:
* Protect and restore habitats and ecosystems.
* Provide a refuge for all sea life.
* Provide reference areas for research and educational opportunities.
* Protect our nation’s marine natural heritage for future
generations.
For
more information, contact:
Sean Hastings
NOAA
Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary
Channel Islands Harbor
113 Harbor Way, Suite 150, Santa Barbara, CA. 93109
(805)966-7107 ext. 472
Sean.Hastings@noaa.gov