HomeMy WebLinkAbout2004-78 - Marine Life Protection ActRESOLUTION NO. 2004- 78
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
NEWPORT BEACH REGARDING THE IMPLEMENTATION OF
THE MARINE LIFE PROTECTION ACT (MLPA)
WHEREAS, there is increasing evidence that ocean ecosystems are being adversely
altered by a combination of human activities, including fishing, pollution, and coastal
development; and
WHEREAS, only 3.5% (140 nautical square miles) of California state waters are set
aside as genuine no -take marine reserves; and
WHEREAS, many of the existing marine reserves in California were designated without
the benefit of scientific guidelines and were not designed to maximize the benefit of a
comprehensive "network "; and
WHEREAS, there is strong scientific evidence that marine reserves restore and protect
the natural diversity and abundance of marine life, and the structure, function and integrity of
marine ecosystems; and
WHEREAS, marine reserves and water quality protection areas recognize the inherent
value of relatively undisturbed marine ecosystems and provide the public incomparable
opportunities for non - consumptive recreation, education and scientific study; and
WHEREAS, marine protected areas, including marine reserves and water quality
protection areas, are important tools in improving fishery management by, among other things:
serving as a baseline and control site for population assessments and naturally functioning
ecosystems, resolving user conflicts, providing insurance for management errors, and possibly
shortening the rebuilding period for overfished species; and
WHEREAS, the California Department of Fish and Game has disbanded seven local
working groups statewide. For the time being, the Department of Fish and Game will be
focusing all resources on implementing the MLPA in the Central Coast region;
Beach: NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Newport
1. Endorses the implementation of the MLPA in Southern California as soon as possible
and will support creative implementation processes that include input from the science
community and every interested stakeholder group, including commercial and
recreational fishing interests.
2. Urges the Department of Fish & Game to implement the Marine Life Protection Act and
Marine Managed Area Improvement Act to better protect the natural diversity and
abundance of marine life, and the structure, function and integrity of marine ecosystems
in California.
3. Directs the City Clerk to distribute copies of this resolution to the Fish & Game
Commission, the State Water Resources Control Board, the California Parks and
Recreation Commission, Governor Schwarzenegger, and to the City's representatives in
the State Assembly and Senate.
ADOPTED, this 24th day of August 2004.
ATTEST:
CITY CLERK
1 2
MAYO
STATE OF CALIFORNIA }
COUNTY OF ORANGE
CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH }
I, LaVonne M. Harkless, Citv Clerk of the City of Newport Beach, California, do
hereby certify that the whole number of members of the Citv Council is seven; that the foregoing
resolution, being Resolution No. 2004 -78 was duly and regularly introduced before and adopted by
the Citv Council of said City at a regular meeting of said Council, duly and regularly held on the 24th
day of August, 2004, and that the same was so passed and adopted by the following vote, to wit:
Ayes: Heffernan, Rosansky, Adams, Bromberg, Webb, Nichols, Mayor Ridgeway
Noes: None
Absent: None
Abstain: None
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed the
official seal of said City this 25th day of August, 2004.
(Seal)
City Clerk
Newport Beach, California