Posted by Dr Bill on March 12, 2003 at 10:07:11:
In Reply to: Re: casino point ... posted by Steve on March 12, 2003 at 07:32:12:
Given your definition of a great ecosystem I understand better what you mean. However, there are relatively few examples at least along the southern Callifornia coast. To recreate ecosystems like the healthy ones that existed prior to our arrival on the scene requires protection, and not just protection of small areas like Casino Point.
It requires "no take" zones that are significant enough in size to capture the diversity and variability in a well-functioning system. This is what the MLPA process is all about.
By protecting 20-30% of the available habitat (leaving 70-80% available for consumptive uses), we can also make available areas for non-consumptive activities and the overflow from the healthy productive system can restock species in areas where consumptive activities deplete them.