California has a rich fishing culture that is an integral part of the history of the state. The state is also home to vibrant marine ecosystems. The MLMA was designed to safeguard both.

Given the large number of fisheries under state jurisdiction and limited Department resources, prioritizing management efforts is essential. The MLMA requires a priority list of fisheries for the preparation of FMPs.

To develop and implement cost-effective fishery management plans (FMPs) in the future, management approaches and the scope of the public process used to develop them will need to be scaled to the specific fishery.

Engaging stakeholders in the management process is a central theme of the MLMA and can be a critical factor to the long-term success of any management strategy.

This chapter focuses on the MLMA’s specific objectives regarding the sustainability of fish stocks and the tools and approaches for achieving sustainability across different scales of management.

This chapter focuses on three specific objectives to preserve the health of fish stocks and the ecosystems that support them: limiting bycatch, maintaining habitat health, and conserving ecosystem health and diversity.

While sustainability is its primary goal, the MLMA requires that the fishery management system consider the long-term interests of people dependent on fishing for food, livelihood, or recreation, including non-consumptive uses.

The MLMA emphasizes the importance of collaboration in achieving its objectives. This chapter focuses on partnerships, their benefits, and the conditions necessary for them to achieve their purposes.

This chapter provides a focused discussion of the mechanics of adaptive management, specifically how it should be integrated into ESRs, rulemakings, and FMPs, and how it relates to emerging fisheries.

Ensuring the use of the best available information in the management of fisheries is a central tenet of the MLMA.

This chapter focuses on how climate change may impact California’s fisheries and discusses the various ways in which management can prepare for these changes to maintain resilient ecological and socioeconomic systems.

Partnerships with Tribes and tribal communities are important to the Department and Commission to sustainably manage California’s ocean fisheries.

Regular review of the Master Plan will provide an opportunity for amendments that address unplanned needs, incorporate new tools, and respond to changes in circumstances and stakeholder interests.