Guide to Developing External Proposed Marine Protected Area (MPA) Arrays

• Overview
• Guide: Developing an External Proposed MPA Array
• Requirements of a Complete External MPA Array
• Quick Reference Guide
  • Key MLPA Documents
  • Key Resources
• Meeting Information: MLPA Initiative External MPA Array Support Workshops - January 11-13, 2010

Overview

To fully integrate the local-level knowledge available within MLPA North Coast Study Region, the MLPA Initiative invites the north coast community to develop external proposed marine protected area (MPA) arrays as the first round of MPA planning process. The deadline for submitting external arrays is Monday, February 1, 2010.

Complete external MPA array packages that include broad geographic coverage and outline details of MPAs, including specific boundaries and proposed regulations, will be forwarded by MLPA Initiative for evaluation conducted by the MLPA Master Plan Science Advisory Team, California Department of Fish and Game, California State Parks and MLPA Initiative staff. These external proposed MPA arrays along with their evaluation results will be available to the MLPA North Coast Regional Stakeholder Group for consideration in the future rounds of MPA planning for the north coast.

The following guidance, resources and reference materials have been collected to assist those interested in developing an external MPA array package. Please contact AskMPA@wildlife.ca.gov or call (916) 654-1885 with any questions, comments or concerns.

Guide: Developing an External Proposed MPA Array

• Full version (All chapters, File size 1.3 MB)
• Chapters
  • External MPA Array Checklist
  • Definition of External Array
  • MLPA North Coast Study Region Process Diagram
  • Guidance for Submission of External Proposed MPA Arrays
  • Summary of MLPA Guidelines and MPA Array Evaluation Approaches
• Intent to Submit an External Proposed MPA Array
  • Complete list, including contact information, of submitted 'Intent to Submit' forms
  • "Intent to submit" form (deadline November 12, 2009)

Requirements of a Complete External MPA Array

There are three major steps to submit materials for an external MPA array. The first step was completed in November 2009. The remaining steps must take place no later than February 1, 2010. Below are the details regarding the steps to submit an external MPA array:

1. Submit an "Intent to Submit" form. This step was completed on or by Thursday, November 12, 2009.
   
   
2. Submit an MPA array to the MLPA Initiative.
3. Send supporting materials about the MPA array to AskMPA@wildlife.ca.gov. These materials include:
   
   
   1. A one-page cover sheet that includes the array name, list of contributors, and primary contact information.
   2. A narrative rationale summary that describes the general approach taken to develop the complete MPA array, including a description of how the array helps meet the goals of the MLPA, as well as general rationale for MPA design. Note that this narrative summary should be no more than two pages in length.
   3. Consideration of Existing MPAs table. For each MPA that currently exists within the MLPA North Coast Study Region, proponents of external arrays must specify whether the proposal retains the MPA without change, modifies the boundaries and/or regulations of the MPA, or removes the MPA, as well as a one-sentence statement explaining the proposed action.

Quick Reference Guide

The following reference guide refers to materials provided to regional stakeholder group members in past study regions. Please note: While many of these documents refer to "proposals," the information is still applicable and relevant to the development of "arrays".

Key MLPA Documents

• California Marine Life Protection Act
• California Marine Life Protection Act Master Plan for Marine Protected Areas (January 2008 revised draft)
• Draft Methods Used to Evaluate Marine Protected Area Proposals (note that the North Coast Science Advisory Team is currently considering methods for the North Coast)
  • MLPA South Coast Study Region (October 6, 2009 draft)
  • MLPA North Central Coast Study Region (January 17, 2008 draft)
• Regional Profile (the North Coast Regional Profile is expected to be released in late November, 2009)
  • MLPA North Central Coast Study Region
  • MLPA South Coast Study Region
• California Department of Fish and Game Feasibility Criteria and Evaluation Components for Marine Protected Area Proposals
  (staff memorandum revised November 12, 2008)
• California State Parks Guidelines for Creating Marine Managed Areas (staff memorandum revised November 18, 2008)

Key Resources

• 'Introduction to the MLPA' Video
• North Coast Informational Flier
• North Coast Informational Workshop Presentations
  • Introduction to MLPA and MLPA Initiative
  • Science guidelines
  • CDFW guidelines
  • View webcast
• MPA Arrays and Proposals Developed in Previous Study Regions
  • Central Coast
  • North Central Coast
  • South Coast
    You may also view example evaluations from the South Coast Study Region.
• MLPA North Coast Regional Stakeholder Group Nomination Form
• Commonly Used Acronyms