Free public forum will highlight year-in-review of MPAs, launch volunteer opportunity.
SAN DIEGO, April 9, 2013––San Diego Coastkeeper, an organization that protects and restores fishable, swimmable, drinkable waters, invites the San Diego community to learn about marine protected areas (MPA’s) at Signs of the Tide: Join the MPA “CLICK.” At the event, Coastkeeper, WiLDCOAST and Department of Fish and Wildlife will provide a year-in-review report on MPAs and talk about the importance of community involvement with the MPA Watch program. Community members will have the opportunity to be the first to learn about the newly launched app and how to become a vital contributor to the MPA “CLICK.” The free event at Scripps Institution of Oceanography Sumner Auditorium will run from 6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m on April 30.
After San Diego’s MPAs became official in January 2012, San Diego Coastkeeper partnered with engineering students from University of California at San Diego, who developed a web-based app that will help Coastkeeper monitor activity in our MPAs. With help from volunteers “clicking” information into their phones, our communities can contribute to critical tracking of activities in protected areas. Coastkeeper hopes the app will increase awareness and education surrounding the year-old MPAs. Coastkeeper designed its April Signs of the Tide to get community members updated on MPAs in San Diego and launch its new technology-driven monitoring program, aiming to engage those who are out enjoying San Diego’s MPAs in their continued protection end effective implementation.
At the event, community members will hear from three specialized experts.
• Scott Bringman, from the Department of Fish and Wildlife Law Enforcement Division, will provide the community with valuable knowledge about MPAs and how communities can help them succeed.
• Ben McCue, Conservation Director at WiLDCOAST, will reflect on the one year of MPA implementation, new signage, education, and what WiLDCOAST MPA Watch Program offers.
• Mallory Watson, community engagement coordinator at Coastkeeper, will discuss what volunteer groups have recently accomplished and how new volunteers can participate in the MPA Watch Program.
Everyone is welcome to attend Signs of the Tide: Join the MPA “CLICK” at Scripps Institution of Oceanography Sumner Auditorium at 8622 Kennel Way, La Jolla, CA 92037.
For more information, please visit localhost/sdcoastkeeper.
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SAN DIEGO COASTKEEPER: Founded in 1995, San Diego Coastkeeper protects and restores fishable, swimmable and drinkable waters in San Diego County. Visit us online at https://www.sdcoastkeeper.org.
