Monthly Newsletter – California Coast and Ocean News – February 2026
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What’s Happening
Ocean Protection Council Meeting – March 23, 2026 – Teleconference and Public Forum
The next Council Meeting is Monday, March 23, 2026 from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. This is a hybrid meeting, held via Zoom and in person at the California Natural Resources Agency Headquarters Auditorium in Sacramento. The agenda and meeting materials are expected to be available on March 13. Visit the Council Meeting webpage for updates.
Call for Tribal Representatives on the Marine Protected Area Statewide Leadership Team – Nominations Extended Through February 27, 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 and submit an MSLT nomination.
Statewide Plastics Monitoring Strategy and Planning Framework – Public Comment Period Through March 11, 2026
On behalf of OPC, the San Francisco Estuary Institute (SFEI) has developed a draft Statewide Plastics Monitoring Strategy and Planning Framework to provide a science-based, collaborative roadmap to monitor both macroplastics and microplastics across the state’s freshwater, estuarine, and marine ecosystems. View the Statewide Plastics Monitoring Strategy and Planning Framework announcement for details.
Draft Blueprint for Building a West Coast Science Collaborative – Public Comment Period Through April 1, 2026
As California pursues its offshore wind energy goals it will need a strong scientific foundation to safeguard ecosystems, tribal cultural resources, and coastal communities throughout offshore wind construction and operation. OPC is creating a West Coast Science Collaborative (WCSC) to provide independent and objective scientific expertise and inform regulatory decision making and adaptive management. Visit the Draft Blueprint for Building a West Coast Science Collaborative announcement for more information.
Survey: Tracking Impacts of Federally Funded Programs on California’s Coast and Ocean
An ongoing 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.
Black History Month
The California Natural Resources Agency (CNRA) and its departments invite you to celebrate Black History Month with us. Through virtual and in-person events, we are honoring Black leaders in the environmental field, who work to protect the environment for current and future generations and encourage others to become environmental stewards. This year’s theme, Honoring the Past, Protecting the Future: 100 Years of Black Leadership in Environmental Action, celebrates a century of vision, resilience, and advocacy that has shaped environmental justice and sustainability. Visit CNRA’s Black History Month webpage.
Funding Opportunities
Ocean Acidification, Hypoxia, and Harmful Algal Bloom Solicitation – Letters of Intent due March 6, 2026
OPC is accepting Letters of Intent for Monitoring, Research, and Modeling to Support Ocean Acidification, Hypoxia, and Marine Harmful Algal Bloom Management in California. Projects should enhance scientific understanding of ocean acidification and hypoxia (OAH) and/or marine harmful algal blooms (HABs) to advance the state’s response to these two growing threats to California’s coastal ecosystems and communities. Visit the OAH / HABs solicitation announcement for details.
SB 1 Sea Level Rise Adaptation Grant Program
The next submission deadline for Track 1: Sea Level Rise Adaptation Planning Projects is Friday, March 20, 2026.
Letters of Intent for Track 2: Implementation Projects were due February 20, 2026. Selected applicants will be invited by March 20, 2026 to submit a full proposal.
The next proposal deadline for OPC’s SB 1 Sea Level Rise Tribal Cultural Resources Funding Program is Thursday, April 16, 2026.
Learn more about these funding opportunities on the SB 1 Grant Program webpage.
We’re Hiring
2026 OPC Summer Internship Program – Apply by March 5, 2026
OPC is hiring up to four Student Assistants for its 2026 Summer Internship Program (Program). The purpose of the Program is to provide undergraduate college students with an opportunity to gain hands-on-experience with a small state agency focused on protecting and enhancing the state’s coastal and ocean ecosystems and ensuring easy, affordable access to and along the coast for all Californians.
Visit the Summer Internship Program announcement for more information.
Dive In
Outdoors for All: Connecting Californians to the Coast and Ocean
In February 2026, people from across California gathered at the California Natural Resources Agency headquarters for the Outdoors for All Convening. The day focused on shared learning and collaboration to expand equitable access to the outdoors. Participants included community-based organizations, tribal partners, advocates, practitioners, and state staff working to support outdoor spaces where every Californian feels welcome and able to participate.
Jennifer Siebel Newsom, California’s First Partner
Jennifer Siebel Newsom, California’s First Partner. speaking to a full house
Armando Quintero, Director of California State Parks
Outdoors for All Convening group photo
Protecting Outdoor Access in a Changing Federal Landscape panel discussion
One of the six breakout sessions advancing shared priorities
Stacy Hayden, OPC’s Communications Manager, tabling at the event
Gloria Sandoval, CNRA Deputy Secretary for Access
Leaders from CNRA championing California’s Outdoors for All initiative
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: Cayla Salvador / Casino Point Underwater Park at Catalina Island
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