 An Ocean Park off OC's coast- is it even possible? Orange County Coastkeeper has been working with United Anglers of Southern California to answer that very question. Together the two organizations will study the feasability of creating a marine park and nursery along the Newport Coast. In a time when fisheries are plummeting, we believe it is crucial to find a balance between human uses of the ocean and marine protection. Coastkeeper and United Anglers of Southern California will do the research necessary to see if our Ocean Park vision can become a reality.
Orange County Coastkeeper and the United Anglers of Southern California have partnered to ensure that when the Marine Life Protection Act (MLPA) process reaches Southern California; our unique and urban setting does not hinder the process. The goal of the MLPA is to protect natural diversity and abundance of marine life; to sustain, conserve, and protect marine populations; to protect marine natural heritage; to improve recreational, educational, and study opportunities and ensure that state marine protected areas have clearly defined objectives.
Since the majority of our coastline has already been developed, the MLPA options from the other areas of the state may not be fitting to our circumstances. With that in mind, Coastkeeper and United Anglers have a vision. Though the ultimate vision is to create a marine park and nursery where passive recreation, like snorkeling, is allowed and create an artificial reef where more active recreation, like fishing, is permitted, we are in the process of vetting this idea.
Our recently funded Ocean Park Initial Study includes writing a white paper on the opportunity to design a marine park along Orange County's Newport Coast and Newport Beach Areas of Special Biological Significance; the creation of a science and Technical Advisory Committee to vet the marine park concept; and the compilation of baseline data necessary for the creation of such a park.
Please click the links below to check out Ocean Park news items, and stay tuned for more details
on this exciting project.
Press Release
Daily Pilot Article
The Log Article
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Turning Vision into Reality 
