Latest News
Dive into what’s new at OPC and stay informed on California coast and ocean news!
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Applications Open: Marine Protected Area Social Science Working Group – Apply by April 27, 2025
The California Ocean Protection Council (OPC), in partnership with the Ocean Science Trust (OST) and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), is convening a group of social science experts to help guide the next phase of Marine Protected […]
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Monthly Newsletter – California Coast and Ocean News – March / April 2025
The March / April 2025 OPC newsletter is available!
Categories: Coastal Habitats, Dungeness Crab Task Force, Equity and Environmental Justice, Event, Funding Opportunities and Updates, Habitats, Leadership and Staff Updates, Marine Habitats, Marine Protected Areas, Monthly Newsletter, Ocean Acidification and Hypoxia, OPC Meetings, Other Public Meetings, Outreach and Education, Public Comment Opportunity, 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 -
Benefits of Marine Protection for California’s People and Communities
California is home to one of the largest networks of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in the world, serving as a global model for marine conservation. Covering over 16% of California’s coastal waters, this extensive Network of 124 MPAs provides much-needed […]
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Council Adopts Resolution on Ocean Acidification and Hypoxia
A Resolution on Ocean Acidification and Hypoxia was adopted by the Ocean Protection Council at its March 3, 2025 Council meeting to elevate and communicate the state’s commitment to addressing ocean acidification and hypoxia (OAH). The actions within this Resolution […]
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Introducing SeaSketch California – a Mapping Tool for California’s MPA Network
The Ocean Protection Council (OPC) is excited to announce the launch of SeaSketch California, a cutting-edge, open-source mapping platform designed specifically to provide spatial data and analysis tools related to the 2023 petitions proposing changes to California’s Marine Protected Areas (MPAs).
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Elections and Call for Nominations for Dungeness Crab Task Force Representatives
DCTF Commercial Fishing Elections 2025 and Call for Nominations for Non-Commercial Fishing Representatives.
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.
Coming in 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.