HomeMy WebLinkAbout8/6/2011 - Agenda Packet (17)EXPANDED MARINE PROTECTED AREA TO BE IMPLEMENTED!
In 1999, the California State Legislature adopted the Marine Life Protection Act (MLPA), which required
the state to evaluate and /or re- design all existing state marine protected areas (MPAs) and to create new
MPAs that act as a network.
The MLPA directs the state to redesign California's system of MPAs to function as a network in order to:
increase effectiveness in protecting the state's marine life and habitats, marine ecosystems, and marine
natural heritage, as well as to improve recreational, educational and study opportunities provided by
marine ecosystems. There are six goals that guide the development of MPAs:
• Protect the natural diversity and abundance of marine life, and the structure, function and integrity of
marine ecosystems.
• Help sustain, conserve and protect marine life populations, including those of economic value, and
rebuild those that are depleted.
• Improve recreational, educational and study opportunities provided by marine ecosystems that are subject
to minimal human disturbance, and to manage these uses in a manner consistent with protecting
biodiversity.
• Protect marine natural heritage, including protection of representative and unique marine life habitats
in CA waters for their intrinsic values.
• Ensure California's MPAs have clearly defined objectives, effective mgmt. measures and adequate
enforcement and are based on sound scientific guidelines.
• Ensure the State's MPAs are designed and managed, to the extent possible, as a network.
The south coast study region (Point Conception to the California /Mexico border, including offshore islands)
was the third Marine Life Protection Act study region to undergo the regional MPA planning and design
process. This regional process started in the summer of 20o8 and is planned to be implemented October 1,
2011.
Newport Beach has 2 areas included in the new state designations: Upper Newport Bay as well as the area
reaching from the east jetty to and including Crystal Cove State Park. Staff is currently working with other
governmental agencies and groups such as Coastkceper and Orange County Marine Protected Areas Council
to develop plans for meeting the objectives of the MLPA. Projects such as citizen monitoring programs, the
development of educational outreach materials and law enforcement training are currently underway.
For more information contact Michelle Clemente, Marine Protection and Education at 949 - 644 -3036, or
check the CA Department of Fish and Game website at http: / /www.dfg.ca. og v /mlpa /southcoast.asp.
CAMP FRIENDSHIP PARTNERSHIP .'l YEARS STRONG
During July, Recreation Staff worked with the Newport-Mesa Unified School District ( NMUSD) at Summer
Camp Friendship! This great camp offers autistic children in the NMUSD the opportunity to make new
friends, learn the ways of social interaction, and enjoy games and crafts. Through this partnership,
Recreation Leaders assisted school district staff in conducting themed activities and games at the camp. In
turn, the school district sends certified advisors to train Recreation staff on working with autistic children
in the community and throughout city programs. This is an excellent camp and the Recreation Department
is excited to be involved in Camp Friendship!
CONSTRUCTION AT CDM HIGH SCHOOL
Corona del Mar High School unexpectedly shut off power to the Marian Bergeson Aquatic Center on July
29. Due to a previously scheduled CdM High School water polo tournament, the City of Newport Beach has
been working diligently to come up with a solution to the problem to run the pool pumps.
With the combined effort on the part of the Recreation & Senior Service Department, Herb Wollerman,
Electrical Services Supervisor, and Jeff Amend of the Newport-Mesa Unified School District, a generator
will be provided by the City of Newport Beach in order to supply power for the tournament over the course
of the weekend, and the event will be allowed to run as scheduled.
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