Surfrider Foundation & Marine Protected Areas:
The Surfrider Foundation supports the concept of marine protected areas (MPAs). Marine reserves and other MPAs are important tools to preserve ocean biodiversity, which is a key tenant of the Surfrider Foundation's mission. As such, the Surfrider Foundation is also supportive of the Marine Life Protection Act (MLPA) Initiative, which will establish a network of MPAs along the entire coast of California.

Surfrider Foundation's official position on marine protected areas

For a more in depth discussion of our position you can read our position statement

Marine Life Protection Act (MLPA) Initiative:
To improve community participation on the Marine Life Protection Act, the Surfrider Foundation produced an "Owner's Operator Manual." Click here to download a .pdf of the manual.

General information about the MLPA

North Central Coast Region:
If you are interested in sharing your perspective on the MLPA process currently in progress in the North Central Coast (from Pigeon Point to Point Arena) please contact Sarah Corbin, , who can help put you in touch with members of the North Central Coast Regional Stakeholder Group.

If you would like more information about the North Central MLPA process you can contact Surfrider's Central Coast Coordinator, Sarah Corbin at:
Click here for a map of the North Central Coast Region.
Stay updated by visiting Surfrider's MLPA North Central Coast blog.


Southern California:
The Southern CA MLPA process is in full swing and the Fish and Game Commission will be evaluating final proposals for the region in the winter of 2010.  In the meantime, it’s critical you become part of the process (to learn how, contact Stefanie at: ; or Joe at: ).   Go here to read our Frequently Asked Question sheet; and  stay updated by visiting Surfrider’s MLPA blog here: http://mlpasurfrider.blogspot.com/