The Channel Islands National Park is home to an abundance of marine life including various cold water and subtropical species. Fish like Calico Bass, California Sheepshead, Rockfish, California Halibut, and many others are some of the most popular species to local fishermen. 

As the Channel Islands have many thriving ecosystems, especially in the 21% of the waters are currently protected within the park and sanctuary, called MPA's (Marine Protected Areas), there is still a significant amount of areas left unprotected and at risk of being overfished, putting many species at danger (National Park Service, 2024). Not only will the species being caught at lower trophic levels be affected, but through eating and overfishing, species at higher trophic levels will be at risk and inevitably disrupt the cycle of nature's food web that is essential to the health of our ocean and planet.

According to the National Park Service, the MPAs were created to:

• Serve a sanctuary for marine life to preserve species diversity and abundance
• Protect marine habitats and ecosystems that species rely on
• Minimize short-term social and economic losses while maintaining long-term benefits such more productive and sustainable regional fisheries
• Maintain areas for visitors’ recreational, educational, and spiritual use that are minimally impacted by human disturbance
• Provide scientific points of reference to assist with resource management decisions in the MPAs and surrounding waters.

As this may be a concern to those who depend on the fishing industry, fortunately, the spillover effect can actually be beneficial due to the fact that they can have bigger and increased amount of fish outside of the MPA boundaries. 

Sign this petition to support the establishment of another 9% of Marine Protected Areas at the Channel Islands. This would push the overall protection of waters at approximately 30%, pushing the marine life conservation further here in Santa Barbara. Let's bring human's needs and nature's needs together, now is the time!

U.S. Department of the Interior. (2024, February 14). Marine Protected Areas. National Parks Service. https://www.nps.gov/chis/learn/nature/marine-protected-areas.htm#:~:text=In%202003%2C%20the%20State%20of,Channel%20Islands%20National%20Marine%20Sanctuary