The public policy process to design and designate MPAs in California recognized the importance of several stages of implementation. Previous analysts Selleckchem CHIR 99021 provide additional information on the creation of MPAs before the MLPA was enacted (McArdle, 2002; Airame et al., 2003) and on the early efforts to implement the MLPA (Weible, 2008; Gleason et al., 2010). The Initiative was able to successfully navigate common challenges to public policy implementation including complexities

and uncertainties in how to implement the goals of the MLPA (Fox et al., 2013b); continued conflicts over policy goals, policy instruments, science or measures of success (Fox et al., 2013b and Fox Selleck Cobimetinib et al., 2013c; Saarman et al., 2013); and variations in time required, outcomes, and opportunities for adjustment or “learning” during implementation and subsequent cycles of policy making (Fox et al., 2013b, Merrifield et al., 2013, Sayce et al., 2013, White et al., this issue; Gleason et al., 2013). The MLPA governs state waters and extends from the mean high tide line seaward generally to 3 nautical miles (approximately 5.6 km), including offshore islands and tidal estuaries. Altogether, the open coast state waters of California (excluding the San Francisco Bay estuary) cover some 14,374 square km along a 1770 km coastline. Several

state agencies assume key roles in implementation of the MLPA. The California Fish and Game Commission (Commission), a body of five officials

appointed by the click here California State Governor and confirmed by the state senate, has the ultimate authority to designate MPAs and adopt regulations on take of marine resources. The California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG), as the implementing agency for the MLPA and a lead trustee for state natural resources, is responsible for planning, implementation, management, monitoring, and enforcement of regulations adopted in creating MPAs through the MLPA. The State Park and Recreation Commission (seven members appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate) plays a leading role in the designation of State Marine Parks while their management is the responsibility of the California Department of Parks and Recreation (CDPR). The California Ocean Protection Council (OPC), a policy advisory body with no regulatory authority, provided funding for ocean floor mapping, monitoring, and other data collection that has been vitally important to implementation of the MLPA, as well as other state marine resource policies. The California Natural Resources Agency, which includes the CDFG, the CDPR and OPC, provides oversight and leadership on MLPA implementation. Finally, the MLPA calls for CDFG to prepare, and for the Commission to approve, a master plan to guide the adoption and implementation of the MLPA.