In the federal government's first comprehensive review in 35 years, the U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy sounded an alarm in May 2004 about the health of the nation's oceans. Exploited by over fishing, degraded by chronic pollution, invaded by exotic species and poorly served by the governments who are counted on to protect them, our oceans desperately need protection.
Among the dramatic policy actions called for are substantial changes in fisheries management. Coastkeeper works with numerous advocacy groups such as the California Coastkeeper Alliance and the Surfrider Foundation for strong fisheries protection to ensure that living marine resources are used wisely so they may continue to thrive and support commercial and recreational activity for many years to come.
In 2001 and 2002, Coastkeeper started taking a leadership role among local environmental groups on issues related directly the MLPA and other fisheries issues.