**This blog entry orginally appeared on the website oceanspaces.org.**/p>
Sharing MPA Baseline Monitoring Reporting: March 20-24, 2017
Join California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Ocean Protection Council, and Ocean Science Trust to explore the State of the California South Coast.
Click here for an event flyer and here for the program – and thank you for sharing far and wide!
On March 13, the State of the California South Coast report will be released, providing a snapshot of the ecological and socioeconomic conditions at the time marine protected areas (MPA) in the region went into effect. To celebrate the release of this report and showcase key findings from this initial phase of monitoring, local ocean community members are invited to attend a series of community gatherings held throughout the South Coast (Pt. Conception to the California/Mexico border, including offshore islands) during the week of March 20-24.
These free events will be open to the diverse ocean community in the South Coast, including fishermen, California tribes and tribal communities, researchers, citizen scientists, educators, and others interested in monitoring, evaluation, and adaptive management of California’s MPAs and marine resources. At each community gathering, participants will:
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Learn about the status of MPA monitoring in the South Coast, including how baseline results will contribute to long-term monitoring and inform management;
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Review and discuss the soon-to-be released State of the California South Coast report, which provides a snapshot of local ecosystems and ocean activities;
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Engage with researchers, resource managers, citizen scientists, fishermen, and others actively involved in monitoring, and participate in decision making about our ocean.
A similar program will be presented at each event – be sure to revisit this announcement for additional event details, including a program for the events, information about presenters, and opportunities to view video and/or live streaming. RSVPs are appreciated, but not required: rsvp@oceanspaces.org.
Locations and Timing:
San Diego – Monday, March 20
5-7pm
Marina Village Conference Center, Coral Room
1936 Quivira Way, San Diego, CA 92109 (map)
Parking: Free
To help San Diegans navigate the traffic, participants are welcome to arrive at 4pm for refreshments.
Science Presenters: CDFW & OST – Key Findings and Results, Danielle Muller (SCCOOS) – Physical Conditions, Selena McMillan (Reef Check) – Kelp Project
San Pedro – Tuesday, March 21
1-3pm
Cabrillo Marine Aquarium
3720 Stephen M White Dr., San Pedro, CA 90731 (map)
Spend your lunch time at Cabrillo Marine Aquarium! Participants are welcome to arrive at 12pm when the Aquarium opens and enjoy the exhibits.
Science Presenters: CDFW & OST – Key Findings and Results, Jeremy Claisse (Cal Poly Pomona) – rocky reef/kelp forest monitoring, Selena McMillan (Reef Check) – Kelp Project
Malibu – Wednesday, March 22
4-6pm
Wishtoyo Chumash Village
33904 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265 (map)
Parking:
A tour of the Wishtoyo Chumash Village will be available following the gathering, along with an informal reception and opportunity to watch the sunset.
Science Presenters: CDFW & OST – Key Findings and Results, CDFW – MPA Implementation, Selena McMillan (Reef Check) – Kelp Project
San Clemente – Thursday, March 23
5-7pm
Holiday Inn Express
35 Via Pico Plaza, San Clemente, CA 926721 (map)
Parking: Free
This gathering will follow the Fish and Game Commission’s Marine Resource Committee (MRC) meeting.
Science Presenters: CDFW & OST – Key Findings and Results, Jen McWhorter (SCCOOS) – Physical Conditions, Selena McMillan (Reef Check) – Kelp Project
Santa Barbara – Friday, March 24
4-6pm
Marine Center Classroom
125 Harbor Way, Santa Barbara, CA 93109 (map)
Parking: Free parking for 90-minutes, $2/hour following at Santa Barbara Harbor
Participants are welcome to join an informal reception following the gathering.
Science Presenters: CDFW & OST – Key Findings and Results, Jenny Dugan (UCSB) – Beaches Study, Dan Robinette (Point Blue) – Bird Study
Special thanks to our South Coast Key Communicators, including the MPA Collaborative Network, for their guidance and support in planning these community gatherings.
Visit http://oceanspaces.org/scsotr for access baseline reporting products and to explore the soon-to-be released State of the California South Coast report. Thank you in advance for sharing information about these events with your peers, constituents, friends, and family. Don’t hesitate to reach out to Dina Liebowitz with any questions!