The fish and sea life that call California's oceans home have been in trouble for the past few decades. Overfishing and pollution have  threatened fish populations and diversity. 

Six years ago, the legislature took a drastic step and blocked out certain areas of our coastline as "marine protected areas" that banned fishing. New research shows that their efforts may be paying off. 

Dr Liz Whiteman of the California Ocean Science Trust, which led the monitoring effort in California, joins the show to discuss the progress that has been made.