Latest News
Dive into what’s new at OPC and stay informed on California coast and ocean news!
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OPC Adopts Strategic Plan to Safeguard California’s Coast and Ocean Through the End of the Decade
Yesterday, December 9, the Ocean Protection Council approved its 2026–2030 Strategic Plan: Safeguarding Our Coast and Ocean for All Californians, an ambitious blueprint that will guide the Council’s investments and priorities through the end of this decade. Building on OPC’s […]
Categories: 30×30, Aquaculture, Climate Change, Coastal Habitats, Dungeness Crab Task Force, Emerging Contaminents, Equity and Environmental Justice, Habitats, Harmful Algal Blooms, Kelp, Leadership and Staff Updates, Marine Habitats, Marine Protected Areas, Ocean Acidification and Hypoxia, Offshore Wind, Outreach and Education, Plastic Pollution, Report Release, Sea Level Rise, Strategic Goal 1: Climate Change, Strategic Goal 2: Equity, Strategic Goal 3: Biodiversity, Strategic Goal 4: Sustainable Blue Economy, Sustainable Fisheries and Marine Ecosystems, Tribal Engagement, Water Quality -
Monthly Newsletter – California Coast and Ocean News – November
The November 2025 OPC newsletter is available!
Categories: 30×30, Climate Change, Coastal Habitats, Equity and Environmental Justice, Event, Funding Opportunities and Updates, Grant Projects, Habitats, Kelp, Leadership and Staff Updates, Marine Habitats, Marine Protected Areas, Monthly Newsletter, OPC Meetings, Outreach and Education, Report Release, Sea Level Rise, Strategic Goal 1: Climate Change, Strategic Goal 2: Equity, Strategic Goal 3: Biodiversity, Strategic Goal 4: Sustainable Blue Economy, Sustainable Fisheries and Marine Ecosystems, Tribal Engagement, Water Quality -
OPC Funding Helps Commercial Fishermen Recover Lost Gear to Protect Whales
As any fisherman will tell you, the ocean is a challenging place to work. In this dynamic environment, fishing gear is inevitably lost due to storms, strong currents, and interactions with other boats. If it isn’t recovered, lost gear can […]
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Ocean Protection Council Meeting – December 9, 2025 – Teleconference and Public Forum
The Ocean Protection Council will hold a hybrid public meeting via teleconference and in a public forum on Tuesday, December 9, 2025. The recording is available.
Categories: 30×30, Climate Change, Equity and Environmental Justice, Event, Funding Opportunities and Updates, Kelp, OPC Meetings, Sea Level Rise, Strategic Goal 1: Climate Change, Strategic Goal 2: Equity, Strategic Goal 3: Biodiversity, Sustainable Fisheries and Marine Ecosystems, Tribal Engagement -
Coastal Habitat Mapping White Paper and Webinar Recording
The Ocean Protection Council (OPC) released a new Coastal Habitat Mapping Considerations White Paper, developed to explore options for statewide coastal habitat mapping efforts. The report offers recommendations for creating consistent, practical, and effective approaches to mapping California’s diverse coastal […]
Categories: Coastal Habitats, Event, Grant Projects, Habitats, Other Public Meetings, Report Release -
Microplastics Research Public Webinar and Panel – Recording Available
Learn how California researchers, supported by the Ocean Protection Council and California Sea Grant, are tackling microplastic pollution. OPC and California Sea Grant provided $1.9 million to fund five research projects addressing microplastics in California. These projects were selected through two […]
Our Strategic Priorities
Our work is guided by the Strategic Plan to Protect California’s Coast and Ocean: 2020-2025, with a focus on four strategic goals. Click on a goal below to learn more about the partnerships and projects shifting that vision into a reality.
Climate Change
Safeguard Coastal and Marine Ecosystems and Communities in the Face of Climate Change
Equity
Advance Equity Across Ocean and Coastal Policies and Actions
Biodiversity
Enhance Coastal and Marine Biodiversity
Blue Economy
Support Ocean Health through a Sustainable Blue Economy
View the 2026-2030 Strategic Planning webpage.
Annual Coast and Ocean Report & New Report Card
We are committed to reporting annually on implementation of our strategic priorities and providing an overview of critical issues impacting California’s coast and ocean. Read our 2024 Annual State of the Coast and Ocean Report for a retrospective of activities and accomplishments.
In early 2026, OPC will release a Report Card that uses a scientific, indicator-based approach to grade California’s coast and ocean health.
View the Annual Reports and Report Card webpage.