30×30 Draft Decision-Making Framework for Coastal Waters: Public Comment Period and Regional Workshops
Share your feedback on the draft 30×30 Decision-Making Framework for Coastal Waters!
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 has 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.
OPC invites the public to participate in the following webinars and workshops:
Webinar/Workshop Schedule:
Please note each webinar and workshop location/date will have 2 duplicate sessions. The same information will be covered at both sessions. The workshops are open to all members of the public. The aim of the workshops is to facilitate discussion and solicit input on the draft framework across diverse community groups.
If you are interested in attending, please register for the appropriate workshop at least 24 hours before to receive important logistics information such as parking, agenda, ADA accommodations, etc.
Webinar Schedule:
Kick-off Webinar: Thursday, June 20, 2024
Re-Cap Webinar: Thursday, September 19, 2024
Workshop Schedule:
Please note the Central Coast Workshop date has been updated!
Register below for any of the following workshops:
South Coast: San Diego
- Wednesday, July 10, 2024
- Session 1: 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
- Session 2: 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
- Location: Margaret Scripps Buzzelli Loeb Room at the Scripps Seaside Forum; 8610 Kennel Way, La Jolla, CA 92037
- In partnership with and sponsored by Sea Grant
Central Coast: Monterey
- Tuesday, August 27, 2024
- Session 1: 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
- Session 2: 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
- Location: Mott Training Center; 837 Asilomar Ave, Pacific Grove, CA 93950
- In partnership with California State Parks-Monterey District
North Coast: Arcata
- Thursday, September 12, 2024
- Session 1: 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
- Session 2: 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
- Location: Humboldt Coastal Nature Center, 220 Stamps Ln, Arcata, CA 95521
- In partnership with and sponsored by Friends of the Dunes
Tribal Consultation
OPC is conducting a dedicated, parallel consultation period for California Native American tribes alongside the public comment period. OPC requests consultation with tribes on the draft framework. Letters requesting consultation were sent to tribal leadership in early June. If you and your tribe are interested in consulting with OPC, please email Michael.Esgro@resources.ca.gov to schedule a consultation.
Public Comment Submission Deadline
Comments can be submitted via the 30×30 Draft Decision-Making Framework-Public Comment Submission Form.
Comments can also be submitted to 30x30coastalwaters@resources.ca.gov. We request all comments and feedback be submitted by 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 2, 2024.
After public comment and tribal consultation closes, staff will work to incorporate public comment and feedback received into a finalized framework. Staff anticipates bringing a final framework, with potential preliminary determinations for candidate 30×30 Conservation Areas, to the Council for consideration and possible adoption at the December 9, 2024 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.
