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Podcasts Take Two
Researchers take to skies to survey marine protected areas
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Apr 1, 2014
Listen • 4:34
Researchers take to skies to survey marine protected areas
Emerging data looks at how fishermen are responding to marine sanctuaries, scattered like scrabble tiles over 350 square miles between Santa Barbara and Mexico.
Research by the Santa Monica Bay Restoration Commission and others reveals that while fishing pressure has shifted location, the number and sot of places people seek a fishery hasn't shifted much.
Research by the Santa Monica Bay Restoration Commission and others reveals that while fishing pressure has shifted location, the number and sot of places people seek a fishery hasn't shifted much.
(
Molly Peterson/KPCC
)
The state created a network of marine protected areas to help habitat and fisheries recuperate from years of stress, including that caused by people.
The state created a network of marine protected areas to help habitat and fisheries recuperate from years of stress, including that caused by people.
(
Molly Peterson/KPCC
)
The mouth of the San Gabriel river to the north, with Seal Beach below.
The mouth of the San Gabriel river to the north, with Seal Beach below.
(
Molly Peterson/KPCC
)
Point Fermin, with the Korean Friendship Bell on the upper right of the peninsula in this view.
Point Fermin, with the Korean Friendship Bell on the upper right of the peninsula in this view.
(
Molly Peterson/KPCC
)
In the foreground, Terranea Resort.
In the foreground, Terranea Resort.
(
Molly Peterson/KPCC
)
White Point.
White Point.
(
Molly Peterson/KPCC
)

Emerging data looks at how fishermen are responding to marine sanctuaries, scattered like scrabble tiles over 350 square miles between Santa Barbara and Mexico.

Faced with dwindling fish stocks and degraded habitat, the state Department of Fish and Wildlife created dozens of marine protected areas off Southern California two years ago. With these closures, state officials want people to stay out of about 15 percent of the region’s coastal waters in an effort to make the ocean healthier.

Emerging science suggests new insights about how commercial and recreational fishermen are responding to the change.

Marine protected areas, scattered like scrabble tiles on the sea between Santa Barbara and Mexico take up more than 350 square miles. The easiest way to see that territory fast is from the sky.

KPCC's Molly Peterson reports.