Abstract

In 1998–99, California overhauled marine life policy with the enactment of the Marine Life Management Act (MLPA) and the Marine Life Protection Act (MLPA). The successful campaign to pass these two acts was a turning point in marine management politics. Their enactment provided hope that marine fisheries and ecosystems would be managed sustainably and depleted fisheries would be restored. The Department of Fish and Game has had to shift its entire approach to managing marine fisheries. However, new conflicts have arisen as stakeholders and scientists have wrangled over the implementation of these new laws. Commercial fishermen have fought with sport fishermen over allocation of specific fisheries pursuant to the MLMA. The sport fishermen have waged a political battle against establishing marine reserves under the MLPA. What is the future of marine life policy in California?