By working together, Audubon California and several Southern California chapters and members may have successfully ensured that the interests of seabirds will be taken into consideration during deliberations on the creation of marine protected areas from Point Conception to the border with Mexico.

Last week, Audubon presented a coordinated position before a key Blue Ribbon Task Force that will make recommendations to the State Fish and Game Commission on specific coastal protections. While many were there to speak on issues related to fishing and recreation, Audubon was the sole, important voice for birds. People familiar with the task force deliberations tell us that this advocacy has paid off, and that marine birds likely will be considered more strongly than ever before in the final recommendations. (photo of Sooty Shearwater by Mike Baird)

Audubon California views the state’s Marine Life Protection Act (MLPA) as a promising tool to protect threatened and endangered seabird species. As the state considers how it will implement the Act, we are working closely with local chapters and policy makers to advocate for robust protections for breeding and foraging habitats.

The Act has the potential to enhance seabird protection in two important ways. First, it creates marine no-take or limited-take reserves to help re-build stocks of rockfish, the preferred prey of many nearshore feeders. And second, it designates year-round special closures to reduce or eliminate disturbance at important breeding and roosting islands and rocks, and foraging areas.

As the Blue Ribbon Task Force met last week, representatives from Audubon California, Los Angeles Audubon, San Diego Audubon, Palos Verdes/South Bay Audubon and El Dorado Audubon presented our joint position on which areas needed protection. Dave Weeshoff, San Fernando Valley chapter member and Regional Stakeholder for the south coast, presented a similar position.

These speakers emphasized the importance of many of the proposed Marine Protected Areas for marine birds, shorebirds and waterfowl. A strong final set of protections will provide foraging, resting and breeding habitat for over 100 species including a number of Audubon Watch List species.

The Blue Ribbon Task Force is expected to announce its recommendation by December, and it is likely that the first Fish and Game Commission hearings on the matter will occur in December as well.