In May 2026, the California Ocean Litter Prevention Strategy Accomplishments Report: January 2018–August 2025 was published by the Ocean Protection Council (OPC), in partnership with NOAA’s Marine Debris Program (NOAA MDP), California Sea Grant, and USC Sea Grant. 

California has long recognized marine debris as a threat to communities, human health, ecosystems, and the economy. In 2018, OPC and NOAA MDP published the 2018 California Ocean Litter Prevention Strategy: Addressing Marine Debris from Source to Sea — developed with a wide range of stakeholders to provide a coordinated framework for effectively addressing this challenge. 

The Accomplishments Report highlights the collaborative work California has done to address ocean litter and plastic pollution by (a) describing progress toward each goal, (b) spotlighting partner organizations, and (c) providing a status for each goal to identify where ongoing or future efforts are needed. 

From January 2018 through August 2025, implementation of the strategy drove meaningful, sustained progress. During this period, 19 actions were successfully completed; 19 were completed and continue as long-term, ongoing efforts; 23 are still actively in progress; and only 3 are on hold. These results reflect the collective commitment and momentum of partners working to translate the strategy into lasting impact.