Our speaker for August 16 - Katie Power

Katie Power from the Channel Islands National Park gave a presentation on Marine Protected Areas.  Ms. Power is in her fourth year at California State Channel Islands as an environmental science major.  She is currently interning at the Channel Islands National Park. 

Approximately 50% of the Channel Islands National Park is underwater.  It was established in 1980 and includes the following islands:  San Miguel, Santa Rosa, Santa Cruz, Anacapa, and Santa Barbara.

The Park has two types of protected areas:  the Marine Reserves and the Marine Conservation Area.  All fishing and wildlife removal are prohibited in the Reserves while some fishing and wildlife removal are allowed in the Conservation Area.

Prior to protecting the marine areas, the marine ecosystems were getting out of balance.  Certain marine populations were being dramatically reduced, other marine populations experienced growth, and non-native plants were being introduced.  For example, in 2009, commercial fishermen were removing large amounts of lobsters.  The population of animals that the lobsters feed on then increased.  This increased population then ate and killed the kelp forests.  Once marine protections went into place, the lobster population returned to its normal level.  In turn, the animals preyed on by the lobsters deceased in number and the kelp forests began to flourish again.

Recreational activities are still allowed in the marine protected areas.  People can enjoy sailing, diving, whale watching, kayaking, hiking, and camping.

Thank you Katie for an informative presentation.

Deborah A. Perkins