Protect California’s ocean wildlife

The California Fish and Game Commission will vote soon on new marine protected areas — and they need to hear from supporters like you. Our coastal waters are home to incredible wildlife that need these protections in order to continue thriving in the future.

Send a message now.

Send a message to the CA Fish and Game Commission to expand marine protected areas before it’s too late.

Photo by Robert Schwemmer/NOAA

California’s coastal waters are home to an incredible array of wildlife — from sea otters and sea lions to abalone and our state fish, the Garibaldi. Certain areas are especially vibrant because they are protected. And right now, we have a chance to create new protections to conserve the habitats wildlife need to thrive.

The California Fish and Game Commission will be voting on proposals for new marine protected areas on October 15 — including two new Tribally sponsored marine protected areas proposed by NRDC and our partners that would protect rich coastal habitat from harmful industrial activities.

Research shows these protections work — fish grow larger and more abundant, wildlife populations are healthier, and there are more coral, sponges and other animals that are key signs of a thriving habitat.

But the Commission is facing pressure to deny our proposals despite the fact that 70% of Californians support these two marine protected area proposals. They need to hear from you and every Californian who wants a healthy future for our ocean NOW.

CTA

Your Message

Subject Support for Mishopshno and Pt. Sal SMCA marine protected area proposal

Dear President Sklar and Honorable Commissioners,

Message Body

I am a California resident writing in strong support of the Mishopshno State Marine Conservation Area (Petition 2023-29MPA) off the coast of Carpinteria and the Point Sal State Marine Conservation Area (Petition 2023-28MPA) near the city of Guadalupe.

For over a decade, California’s world-leading network of MPAs has helped fish grow larger and more abundant, wildlife populations become healthier, and critical habitats thrive.

The Mishopshno SMCA would honor a sacred Chumash area, bolster ecosystem resilience in the face of climate change, enhance Santa Barbara County’s local economies through tourism and ocean recreation, and help stressed fish populations and habitats thrive into the future.

Conserving Point Sal would support Chumash-led marine stewardship and protect a roosting site for vulnerable seabirds, an important breeding site for marine mammals, and a special area that provides a safe haven for fish and invertebrate populations.

Californians like me benefit from a thriving ocean. I urge you to approve these proposals and protect California’s critical marine habitats.

Sincerely,

[First Name] [Last Name]

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