Latest News
Dive into what’s new at OPC and stay informed on California coast and ocean news!
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Benefits of Marine Protection for California’s People and Communities
California is home to one of the largest networks of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in the world, serving as a global model for marine conservation. Covering over 16% of California’s coastal waters, this extensive Network of 124 MPAs provides much-needed […]
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Council Adopts Resolution on Ocean Acidification and Hypoxia
A Resolution on Ocean Acidification and Hypoxia was adopted by the Ocean Protection Council at its March 3, 2025 Council meeting to elevate and communicate the state’s commitment to addressing ocean acidification and hypoxia (OAH). The actions within this Resolution […]
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Introducing SeaSketch California – a Mapping Tool for California’s MPA Network
The Ocean Protection Council (OPC) is excited to announce the launch of SeaSketch California, a cutting-edge, open-source mapping platform designed specifically to provide spatial data and analysis tools related to the 2023 petitions proposing changes to California’s Marine Protected Areas (MPAs).
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Elections and Call for Nominations for Dungeness Crab Task Force Representatives
DCTF Commercial Fishing Elections 2025 and Call for Nominations for Non-Commercial Fishing Representatives.
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Updates from the March 3, 2025 Council Meeting
The March meeting advanced initiatives across OPC’s Strategic Plan goals, including adopting a resolution on ocean acidification and hypoxia, funding for sea level rise adaptation planning, enhancing management of marine protected areas (MPAs), and supporting climate-ready fisheries management.
Categories: Climate Change, Coastal Habitats, Equity and Environmental Justice, Funding Opportunities and Updates, Habitats, Leadership and Staff Updates, Marine Habitats, Marine Protected Areas, Ocean Acidification and Hypoxia, OPC Meetings, Report Release, Sea Level Rise, Strategic Goal 1: Climate Change, Strategic Goal 2: Equity, Strategic Goal 3: Biodiversity, Strategic Goal 4: Sustainable Blue Economy, Sustainable Fisheries and Marine Ecosystems, Tribal Engagement, Water Quality
Our Strategic Priorities
Our work is guided by the Strategic Plan to Protect California’s Coast and Ocean: 2020-2025, with a focus on four strategic goals. Click on a goal below to learn more about the partnerships and projects shifting that vision into a reality.
Climate Change
Safeguard Coastal and Marine Ecosystems and Communities in the Face of Climate Change
View the 2026-2030 Strategic Planning webpage.
Annual Coast and Ocean Report & New Report Card
We are committed to reporting annually on implementation of our strategic priorities and providing an overview of critical issues impacting California’s coast and ocean. Read our 2024 Annual State of the Coast and Ocean Report for a retrospective of activities and accomplishments.
Coming in 2026, OPC will release a Report Card that uses a scientific, indicator-based approach to grade California’s coast and ocean health.
View the Annual Reports and Report Card webpage.