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 previous Strategic Plan and foundational advancements made during the Newsom Administration, this Plan clearly reflects what OPC heard in public meetings and tribal consultations across the state as it worked to develop the Plan over the last year—a call for healthy oceans, resilient coastal communities, a commitment to science, and a future where people and nature thrive together.
“Ocean Protection Council’s new Strategic Plan is a bold, science-driven roadmap for safeguarding our coast and ocean at a time when action has never been more urgent. By building resilience to climate change, restoring habitats, safeguarding wildlife, and supporting California’s coastal economy, this Plan ensures that the benefits of a healthy ocean are shared by all Californians—today and for generations to come.”
– Wade Crowfoot, Secretary for the California Natural Resources Agency and Chair of the Ocean Protection Council
The new 2026-2030 Strategic Plan advances OPC’s mission to protect California’s coast and ocean through four interconnected goals:
GOAL 1: Build Resilience to Climate Change
Prioritizing cutting-edge science, adaptation planning, and protecting coastal communities and marine ecosystems from the impacts of sea level rise, coastal flooding, ocean acidification, and other climate-driven threats.
GOAL 2: Maximize Community Benefits and Stewardship
Centering tribal and community needs, increasing stewardship and coastal access, and ensuring all Californians have a meaningful voice in safeguarding the coast and ocean.
GOAL 3: Safeguard Coastal and Marine Biodiversity
Strengthening biodiversity, restoring vital habitats, protecting coastal water quality, and addressing emerging threats to coast and ocean health.
GOAL 4: Enable a Sustainable Blue Economy That Protects Ocean Health
Supporting thriving fishing communities, climate-resilient fisheries, sustainable aquaculture, and reducing impacts from industrial uses of the ocean.
Nested within each goal are specific, measurable targets that OPC will achieve over the next five years in partnership with California Native American tribes, state and federal agencies, local experts, and other partners—ultimately moving the needle toward healthier marine ecosystems and thriving coastal communities. Examples include ensuring that sea level rise plans are in place for the entire California coast by 2034 to help communities prepare and adapt to climate change, strengthening California’s landmark marine protected area network, restoring at least 2,000 acres of degraded kelp forests, and taking meaningful action to conserve 30 percent of the state’s coastal waters by 2030.
Importantly, the new Plan also advances OPC’s vision for a more inclusive coast and ocean by centering the needs and priorities of coastal communities and California Native American tribes and directly supporting tribally- and community-led stewardship.
“This Plan reflects the voices of communities and partners across the state and strengthens the science and stewardship needed to protect California’s extraordinary coast and ocean. Together, we can conserve these treasured places and provide lasting benefits for people and nature.”
– Jenn Eckerle, Deputy Secretary for Oceans and Coastal Policy for the California Natural Resources Agency and OPC Executive Director
Grounded in science and guided by the voices of diverse partners, the 2026–2030 Strategic Plan is both a blueprint and a call to action. Read the full Plan to find out more about our work to protect California’s coastal communities, iconic marine ecosystems, and thriving ocean economy through the end of the decade—and to start thinking about how you can get involved.
