A group dedicated to preserving the ocean and the diverse ecosystem in Laguna Beach’s Marine Protected Areas is looking for photographers who’ve documented the area’s natural beauty and, through their photos, have helped gather evidence to show the statewide effort to protect coastlines is working.
The Laguna Bluebelt Coalition holds an annual photo contest and is now accepting entries for its 13th iteration. The contest is open to professional and amateur photographers and is taking submission until June 22.
This year’s theme celebrates the success of 10 years since Marine Protected Areas were created in the state.
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife recently released its first study of how the ecologically connected network of MPAs have done, and the results are promising, especially in Southern California’s Los Angeles and Orange counties, officials have said.
Among the report’s most significant findings is the rebound of sea life, including kelp, in the MPAs. These areas were previously heavily fished before being designated as protected areas and “no-take zones” where fish and other life can’t be removed. Data also shows that the protected areas are seeing fewer negative impacts of climate change.
“The review is an opportunity to showcase the steady recovery of Laguna’s sea life and many ways we enjoy the Laguna Bluebelt’s citywide Marine Protected Areas,” said Anne Girtz, a contest organizer and a member of the nonprofit coalition. “Images captured by photographers give us hope for a better, brighter future with abundant kelp forests and healthy sea.”
Laguna Beach is the only city in the state with much of its coastline designated as protected in the MPA network – only the waters off South Laguna allow for fishing. Bluebelt members and South Laguna residents have recently lobbied the California Fish and Game Commission to consider making all of the city’s coastline a “no-take” zone.
The city’s Environmental & Sustainability Committee this month is expected to consider a resolution supporting citywide sea life protection and consistent enforcement in Laguna Beach’s MPAs.
“When I swim, I see lots of mature sheephead, no sea urchins and pretty good kelp forests in North Laguna with full MPA protection,” said Mike Beanan, co-founder of the Bluebelt Coalition, adding that the contest over 12 years has helped document an amazing array of sea life and other positive changes in the town’s protected areas.
Related links
Laguna’s Bluebelt: Succeeding in restoration effort
Laguna Beach City Council expected to affirm commitment to water quality improvement
Local environmental groups petition wildlife commission for changes in protected coastal areas
Marine Protected Areas along California’s coast see success in first decade
Fishing community opposes extension of ‘no-take’ zone to South Laguna
Submitted photographs will be judged by Julianne Steers, a marine scientist, photographer and educator; Rich German, founder of Project O; and Kate Vylet, an award-winning conservation photographer and videographer.
In August, winning photos will be showcased during an artist reception at the Laguna College of Art and Design.
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