Following World Oceans Day in June, YDT was invited to paddle out with the Santa Monica Baykeeper (SMBK), an environmental non-profit dedicated to marine protection in all of Los Angeles County. SMBK is helping shape California as a front-line leader in ocean protection as it works to guard and restore coastal habitat–abating urban runoff and sewage spills, keeping drinking water up to par, and studying kelp forests in the Baykeeper’s Kelp Restoration and Monitoring Project.

Of their latest endeavors is promoting the Marine Life Protection Act (MLPA), “California’s landmark ocean protection law” that enables networks of marine protected areas (MPAs) to be created along California’s coast–and those networks are currently being decided. Working as underwater parks where fishing is prohibited, MPAs provide copious oceanic benefits: marine ecosystems where sea life can thrive with minimal human interference (scientists have shown that MPAs rebuild fish populations and restore ocean habitats) plus offering great wildlife-watching and diving. Thus far, SMBK has helped reverse the loss of 80 percent of the kelp forests in Southern California, including over 8.5 acres off Malibu and Palos Verdes through the SMBK kelp restoration project.

Joined by SMBK Marine Programs Manager Brian Meux and Media Relations Coordinator Kristy Pyke, I traveled on the Baykeeper boat to Malibu to talk with professional surfers paddling out that day, Jodie Nelson and James Pribram and representatives from Heal the Bay, Surfrider and Below the Surface. The aquatic act was to promote protection of the areas around Zuma Beach to Point Dume—proposed MPAs.

“MPAs are an incredible asset to not only our marine ecosystems … but our benefit as well,” says Pyke. “It’s important that we hold MPAs at a high priority and encourage the government to do the same.”

Sarah Abramson Sikich, Coastal Resource Director for Heal the Bay and four-year volunteer with Surfrider, was on her third paddle out. “It’s always a surprise to see how much isn’t protected,” says the marine biologist. “It’s critical that we protect something like 70 percent of the Earth.” She continues, “Oceans are overfished and big fish are gone. From a science and environmental standpoint, MPAs definitely make sense and are necessary.”

Mid-conversation with Jared Criscuolo, cofounder of Below the Surface, a purple jellyfish floated directly beneath Criscuolo’s surfboard (luckily all his limbs were above the surface). “It’s visceral encouragement,” he says, noting the jellyfish as a sign to carry on. “Get involved, get educated and get to know your water sources— we all have to be a part of the solution.”

The one downside to our eco-inspiring trek was a run-in with something that has become an all too common occurrence: floating plastic debris. According to Meux, something seemingly innocuous like deflated balloons become constant threats in the sea for birds and marine life, which often mistake them for jellies, attempt to eat them and die. Still, with stewards of the oceans like SMBK, as well as activists, MPA networks clearly have a future here in Southern California.

Baykeeper is looking for volunteers and divers. Contact them at www.smbaykeeper.org.