This webpage was updated on July 3, 2023

MPA Monitoring Series: Ask the Researcher


Bring your questions! Join us as we unpack the results of the latest state-funded MPA long-term monitoring projects through an 8-part virtual summer webinar series. Researchers from 24 universities, agencies and institutions across California worked closely with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) and the Ocean Protection Council (OPC) to monitor key habitats both inside and outside of MPAs, including kelp forests, rocky reefs, rocky shores, estuaries, and sandy beaches. Additionally, one project provided a socioeconomic evaluation for commercial and Commercial Passenger Fishing Vessel (CPFV) fisheries. These monitoring projects were aligned with MPA Management Program goals and the monitoring framework established in the MPA Monitoring Action Plan. Results from these monitoring projects, along with information from other sources, will inform California’s MPA Decadal Management Review (DMR) report to the California Fish and Game Commission in February 2023.  For those looking to dig deeper into MPA monitoring data, including both baseline and long-term monitoring data, please visit the State’s new California MPA data portal. Snapshot reports outlining key findings from each project are available now in both English and Spanish (linked below).

This summer webinar series will give attendees the unique opportunity to interact directly with researchers involved in California’s MPA monitoring projects. Participants are invited to ask questions directly to the researchers to understand the science informing the management of California’s MPA Network. The webinar series is hosted by OPC in partnership with CDFW, and supported by Strategic Earth Consulting. Participation by all members of the public is encouraged. 

Choose the project you are most interested in or attend them all! Each 1-hour webinar is open to the public; no pre-registration required. You are welcome to join the discussion at the indicated times below. Recordings will be made available with closed captioning after the series is completed. 

Webinar Recordings

View the post-webinar summaries on our blog or watch the webinar recordings on our YouTube channel.


Kelp Forests Ecosystems

Tuesday, May 24, 2022
12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Snapshot: English (PDF) | Spanish (PDF)

 

Rocky Intertidal Habitats

Thursday, May 26, 2022
4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Snapshot: English (PDF) | Spanish (PDF)

Recording unavailable

 

Ocean Conditions Observing Systems

Thursday, June 23, 2022
12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Snapshot: English (PDF) | Spanish (PDF)

 

Sandy Beach and Surf Zone Ecosystems

Friday, June 24, 2022
12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Snapshot: English (PDF) | Spanish (PDF)


California Collaborative Fisheries Research Program

Monday, July 18, 2022
4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Snapshot: English (PDF) | Spanish (PDF)

 

Commercial and CPFV Fisheries

Wednesday, July 20, 2022
5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Snapshot: English (PDF) | Spanish (PDF)

 

Estuary Ecosystems

Tuesday, August 9, 2022
12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Snapshot: English (PDF) | Spanish (PDF)

 

Mid-Depth Rocky Habitats

Thursday, August 11, 2022
12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Snapshot: English (PDF) | Spanish (PDF)

 

Additional information about the MPA Decadal Management Review can be found on the  California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s website. If you have questions or want to provide feedback, please contact the MPA Management Program.



Categories: Marine Protected Areas, Outreach and Education, Strategic Goal 3: Biodiversity