Listen as Brian Baird, Director of Ocean and Coastal Programs at San Francisco’s Bay Institute, discusses the evolution of California’s ocean conservation policy including Governor Schwarzenegger’s initiative to form an action plan on the ocean, it’s connection to the marine sanctuary initiative later enacted by President George Bush, and ultimately, led to marine protection areas. Protection Areas that now include 16.5% of California’s 1,100 miles of coastline reaching out three miles. With 9% of California’s coastal waters being completely off limits to all forms of fishing is intended to ensure non-migratory fish species are able to regain and maintain healthy populations. Brian explains how public pressure, science and economics supported the legislation that formed these MPA’s, but the goal is to ensure we all have access to fish to catch and observe now and in the future.