Monthly Newsletter – California Coast and Ocean News – November
Jump to: What’s Happening | Funding Opportunities | Dive In (Article) | Staff Spotlight | Photo of the Month
What’s Happening
Ocean Protection Council Meeting – December 9, 2025 – Teleconference and Public Forum
The next Council Meeting will be Tuesday, December 9, 2025 from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. This meeting is a hybrid meeting via Zoom and at the California Natural Resources Agency Headquarters Auditorium in Sacramento. The agenda is available and meeting materials are anticipated to be available on November 26. Visit the Council Meeting webpage for updates.
Webinar: Microplastics Research Panel – November 25, 2025
OPC and California Sea Grant provided $1.9 million to fund five research projects addressing microplastics in California. These projects were selected through two competitive research calls focused on 1) improved understanding of aquatic microplastic contamination sources and ecological sensitivity, and 2) microplastic removal efficacy of low-impact development structural best management practices, also known as green infrastructure. Learn more and register for the microplastics research webinar.
Webinar: Coastal Habitat Mapping White Paper – December 1, 2025
OPC released a new Coastal Habitat Mapping Considerations White Paper, developed to explore options for statewide coastal habitat mapping efforts. The report offers recommendations for creating consistent, practical, and effective approaches to mapping California’s diverse coastal habitats. Read the white paper and register for the webinar.
Call for Tribal Representatives on the Marine Protected Area Statewide Leadership Team – Nominations close January 13, 2026
The Marine Protected Area Statewide Leadership Team (MSLT) is seeking nominations for tribal representatives to serve on this important advisory body that supports the management of California’s Marine Protected Area (MPA) network. Learn more about MSLT nominations.
Survey: Tracking Impacts of Federally Funded Programs on California’s Coast and Ocean
A survey is available to understand impacts to federally funded coast and ocean programs in California. Importantly, this survey will be used to identify critical environmental data and information gaps. Complete the survey.
November is Native American Heritage Month
OPC is committed to uplifting Native American tribes and ensuring their perspectives are central to California’s coast and ocean protection efforts. Learn more about OPC’s tribal engagement efforts. Visit the California Natural Resources Agency’s Native American Heritage Month webpage.
Funding Opportunities
Tribal and Environmental Justice Small Grants: 2025-2026 WHALE TAIL® Grant Program
At the September meeting, the Ocean Protection Council approved up to $2,000,000 in funding to the California Coastal Commission for tribal and environmental justice small grants through the 2025-26 WHALE TAIL® Competitive Grants Program. The application deadline is Monday, December 15, 2025. Learn more about the Tribal and Environmental Justice Small Grants.
SB 1 Sea Level Rise Adaptation Planning Grant Program
The next submission deadline for sea level rise adaptation planning projects is Friday, December 19, 2025. Learn more about the SB 1 Grant Program.
OPC’s SB 1 Sea Level Rise Tribal Cultural Resources Funding Program’s next proposal deadline is Monday, January 5, 2026. This new funding opportunity will support California Native American tribes in assessing and planning for sea level rise impacts on cultural resources and ancestral lands.
Dive In
OPC Funding Helps Commercial Fishermen Recover Lost Gear to Protect Whales
As any fisherman will tell you, the ocean is a challenging place to work. In this dynamic environment, fishing gear is inevitably lost due to storms, strong currents, and interactions with other boats. If it isn’t recovered, lost gear can have a negative impact on the environment and even lead to marine life entanglements. Luckily, the fishing industry is taking an active role in recovering lost gear to protect the future of fisheries and marine life. Read the full article.
Staff Spotlight
Emily Majluf, California Climate Action Corps Fellow
Emily joined the OPC in September 2025 as a California Climate Action Corps Fellow. She earned her B.A. in Astrophysics from the University of Colorado, Boulder in 2021, with a minor in Arabic Language and Culture and certificate in Teaching English as a Second Language (TESOL). Since then, Emily’s work has centered on developing science education programming in nontraditional settings such as museums, planetariums, and outdoor education, where her focus is to emphasize cultural perspective, inclusive content, and accessible design. She enjoys reading, camping, impulsive crafts, making music with friends, and desperately yearns for the snow.
“As a longtime science educator, I am passionate about communicating to the public the interwoven nature of land, water, and people. Right now, I am very excited to be spotlighting OPC’s efforts to conserve 30% of California’s coastal waters by 2030, protecting biodiversity and expanding access to nature for all Californians. While often depicted as separate from nature, humans are part of our ecosystems, and our stewardship is essential to habitat restoration and long-term sustainability in the face of climate change. California’s coastal waters are currently 21.91% conserved, and we’re already seeing coastal communities shift toward sustainable economies that support environmental resiliency. It has been inspiring to learn about agency and tribal partnerships across the state all working toward a shared goal. In times of mounting uncertainty for the future and growing concern for the climate crisis, it is imperative to uplift stories of hope and resiliency so we can continue striving for a better tomorrow.”
Photo of the Month
Have a stunning shot of California’s coast or ocean? Submit a photo to be featured as the Photo of the Month! Whether it’s a serene shoreline, vibrant marine life, or a captivating coastal sunset, share the beauty of our state’s coastline through your lens! Submit your photo.
Photo of the Month: Celine San Luis / Egg-yolk Jelly at Whalers Cove, Point Lobos State Natural Reserve
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