Red sea urchins are fished commercially on the north coast. Landings of red sea urchins in northern California have declined precipitously over the past 20 years, reflecting an estimated decline in abundance by two thirds. The North Coast Science Advisory Team has found that red urchin would benefit from marine protected areas (MPAs).

Marine protected areas can provide much-needed insurance for the red sea urchin and the intertidal ecosystems they support, and help ensure the long-term sustainability of this important fishery. The MLPA was designed to provide ecological protection with minimal economic impacts. Protecting key habitat where targeted species feed and breed benefits both people and sea life along the north coast.

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