30×30 Draft Decision-Making Framework for Coastal Waters: Public Comment Period and Regional Workshops – Now Closed
OPC is proud to lead the state’s efforts to conserve 30% of coastal waters by 2030. This past June 4 Council meeting, OPC announced the draft Decision-Making Framework for 30×30 in Coastal Waters, which translates policy objectives for 30×30 Conservation Areas – protecting biodiversity, expanding access to nature, and building climate resilience – into objective, transparent, science-based criteria.
This draft comes as part of OPC’s four approaches to advancing 30×30 in coastal waters. It builds upon international, science-based guidance and is world-leading in setting an ambitious standard for marine protection and conservation. Simultaneously, the framework recognizes that biodiversity conservation and sustainable, well-managed use of marine ecosystems are not mutually exclusive. Moving forward, the framework will support identification of potential new conservation measures to address major threats to biodiversity in coastal waters, and ensure areas are designed and implemented in partnership with state and federal agency partners, California Native American tribes, coastal communities, conservation organizations, and fishermen.
OPC launched a 120-day public comment and tribal consultation period on the draft framework with comments due via the 30×30 Draft Decision-Making Framework-Public Comment Submission Form or submitted to 30x30coastalwaters@resources.ca.gov by 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 2, 2024.
Public Comment and tribal consultation on the draft framework is NOW CLOSED. OPC thanks local community members, NGO partners, commercial and recreational fishing communities, and tribal partners for their participation.
OPC was able to connect with over 300 participants across virtual and in-person webinars and tribal roundtables and received over 1,000 comments on the draft evaluation framework.
Webinar Recordings:
Kick-off Webinar: Thursday, June 20, 2024
Re-Cap Webinar: Thursday, September 19, 2024
Next Steps
Since public comment and tribal consultation closing, staff has been working to review and incorporate public comment and feedback received into a finalized framework.
Join us at the December 9, 2024 Council Meeting to hear progress and updates on the draft evaluation framework. Staff anticipates bringing a final framework to the Council for consideration and possible adoption at the March 3, 2025 Council Meeting.
Visit the OPC 30×30 website to learn more about our approach to conserving 30% of California’s coastal waters by 2030 and opportunities to get involved.