In 2001 and 2002, Coastkeeper started taking a leadership role among local environmental groups on issues related directly the Marine Life Protection Act (MLPA) and other fisheries issues. Coastkeeper worked with the California Coastkeeper Alliance to advocate for strong fisheries protections as part of the Nearshore Fisheries Management plan, including testimony at Department of Fish & Game workshops and hearings. Coastkeeper also started coordinating with groups statewide to establish marine reserves or Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) pursuant to the MLPA. Baykeeper participated in the California Department of Fish & Game's Regional Stakeholder Group on the MLPA for the San Diego/Los Angeles region.
Coastkeeper has also worked with the Surfrider Foundation to develop an Owner's Manual for the MLPA, MLMA and MMAIA. This document was developed to serve as an advocacy tool in educating marine conservationists, in non-legal terms, about these laws.
Due to budget constraints, the California Department of Fish and Game stakeholder process to develop statewide MPAs has been delayed, but Coastkeeper continues to work with other NGOs and agencies to develop a statewide network of MPAs.