California's Marine Life Protection Act . . . Eyes throughout California, around the United States, and even around the globe, are on California and the landmark work of the Marine Life Protection Act. California is in the process of creating Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) along the North Central coast, from Half Moon Bay to Point Arena. These underwater state parks and wilderness sites are akin to "Underwater Yosemites" and will help protect diverse habitats, letting fish and marine wildlife thrive. However, we are in danger of losing the highest protection possible for the North Coast. The network of proposed MPAs, and the MLPA process itself, have come under harsh and misplaced criticism lately, and both are at risk. On Thursday, May 14th, the California Fish & Game Commission will hold a public hearing regarding the adoption of the proposed network of MPAs, and your opinon and voice matter an extremely great deal. The meeting will be held at:     Resources Building     Auditorium     1416 Ninth Street, First Floor     Sacramento, California  95814     Thursday, 14 May 2009     08:30am Please join us in sharing the truth about what really matters. This historic decision is one that will effect us all. A recommendation for the strongest possible conservation will not only protect and preserve the immediate areas involved, but will also provide a network of support and growth for marine life in surrounding areas, which, in turn, helps life in the rest of the worlds oceans. It's all connected. Moreover, a recommendation for the strongest possible network leads the way for further Marine Protected Areas, sets a wonderful precendent, and shows the rest of the world that we care. To RSVP, please contact Paul Hobi at 831.239.9178 or phobi@oceanconservancy.org Thank you for helping protect California's oceans for future generations! For more information, please visit www.CalOceans.org.