s02e13: Chris Lowe: Recovery of Large Marine Predators Off California Coast

Distinctive Voices

Urbanization and coastal development in southern California over last 100 years resulted in considerable impacts to the marine ecosystem through habitat loss, pollution, and overfishing. This stimulated substantial state and federal regulations over the last 40 years to reduce these impacts, particularly necessary with a growing human population. One indicator of ecosystem restoration can be seen in recovery of marine predator populations, including meso and apex predators (e.g. teleosts, sharks, seals, whales). While direct protection for many marine predator species have been in place for at least a decade, improved fisheries management, water quality and coastal habitat restoration have likely aided predator recovery.