Inside California's Underwater Parks

Inside California’s Underwater Parks

With Dr. Rikki Eriksen, Director of the California Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) Program for the California Marine Sanctuary Foundation
Dive in and come learn about an exciting new network of special underwater protected areas along your California coastline with Dr. Rikki Eriksen!
There will be complimentary beverages from Humble Sea Brewing Co., pizza from Pizza My Heart, live music and organic coffee by our hosts Alta Organic Coffee & Tea.

TOPIC
In 2012, California became an international leader in ocean conservation by completing the first statewide network of 124 marine protected areas (MPAs) in the United States. Just as the nation’s parks, forests and wilderness areas protect special places on land, California’s underwater parks safeguard our underwater wildlife, restore our oceans bounty and ensure this beauty remains for future generations to enjoy!
The Central Coast and Santa Cruz were early adopters and set the stage for the rest of the state, setting aside key habitats such as kelp forests, rocky reefs, sandy bottom, deep canyons and coastal estuaries. Come learn more about these special areas- right off our shores here in Santa Cruz- how to get out there and enjoy them! Also come learn more about some of the new threats facing our ocean, and what you can do to help!

SPEAKER
Dr. Rikki Eriksen is the Director of the California Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) Program for the California Marine Sanctuary Foundation. She works with communities, businesses, non-governmental organizations, foundations, academic institutions and government agencies to help implement the state’s Marine Life Protection Act. The program has played a crucial leadership role leveraging existing resources and forging new partnerships.

http://bit.ly/SpeakerSeriesMPA