November 13, 2024

Global Urgency at “the People’s COP”: OPC’s Reflections on the United Nations Biodiversity Summit

By Michael Esgro, Senior Biodiversity Program Manager & Tribal Liaison  Last month, California joined leaders from across the world in Cali, Colombia for the United Nations Biodiversity Summit (known as the 16th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention […]

Categories: 30x30, Leadership and Staff Updates, Marine Protected Areas, Outreach and Education, Strategic Goal 1: Climate Change, Strategic Goal 2: Equity, Strategic Goal 3: Biodiversity

October 14, 2024

OPC, CDFW, and California Sea Grant Request for Proposals: Monitoring MPA Mid-Depth Rocky Reef Habitats  

OPC, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, and California Sea Grant are now seeking applications for projects that will advance monitoring priorities for California’s MPA mid-depth habitats.

Categories: Funding Opportunities and Updates, Habitats, Marine Habitats, Marine Protected Areas, Strategic Goal 3: Biodiversity

September 11, 2024

Updates from the September 10, 2024 Council Meeting

The September 10, 2024 Ocean Protection Council (OPC) meeting initiated discussion on the Council’s 2026-2030 Strategic Plan process with discussion on Council and public priorities, building from the current 2020-2025 Strategic Plan with a goal of finalizing the plan by December 2025. […]

Categories: Equity and Environmental Justice, Leadership and Staff Updates, Marine Protected Areas, OPC Meetings, Sea-Level Rise, Strategic Goal 1: Climate Change, Strategic Goal 2: Equity, Strategic Goal 3: Biodiversity, Sustainable Fisheries and Marine Ecosystems

September 6, 2024

Key Milestone for Designation of the Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary

Today, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration released the final Environmental Impact Statement for the designation of the Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary on California’s Central Coast. This is a huge milestone and critical step in the final designation of […]

Categories: Marine Protected Areas, Press Releases, Strategic Goal 3: Biodiversity

June 7, 2024

From Fishponds to Floating Turbines – Ocean Solutions on Display at Capitol Hill Ocean Week  

By Conner Smith, California Sea Grant State Fellow  The lead up to World Oceans Day on June 8, 2024 is often a time for big announcements in ocean stewardship. This year was no different. The Biden administration kicked off Oceans Week, […]

Categories: 30x30, Climate Change, Marine Protected Areas, Strategic Goal 1: Climate Change, Strategic Goal 2: Equity, Strategic Goal 3: Biodiversity, Sustainable Fisheries and Marine Ecosystems, Tribal Engagement

June 6, 2024

30×30 Draft Decision-Making Framework for Coastal Waters: Public Comment Period and Regional Workshops – Now Closed

Re-Cap Webinar: Thursday, September 19, 2024. Session 1: 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. Session 2: 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.

Categories: 30x30, Marine Protected Areas, Other Public Meetings, Public Comment Opportunity, Strategic Goal 3: Biodiversity, Sustainable Fisheries and Marine Ecosystems

December 21, 2023

New Technical Advisory Panel Will Provide Scientific Guidance on 30×30 for Coastal Waters

A Science-informed Approach to 30×30  California’s coast and ocean are threatened by the twin crises of climate change and biodiversity loss. Conserving 30% of our coastal waters by 2030 (the “30×30” initiative) will help build resilience to climate change and […]

Categories: 30x30, Marine Protected Areas, Strategic Goal 3: Biodiversity

September 25, 2023

Conserving 30% of California’s Coastal Waters by 2030: Progress Update

California’s coastal waters are home to species and habitats found nowhere else on Earth. Our iconic coastal and marine ecosystems – from sandy beaches and wave-swept rocky shorelines to lush kelp forests and deep submarine canyons – hold tremendous cultural […]

Categories: 30x30, Equity and Environmental Justice, Event, Kelp, Marine Protected Areas, Outreach and Education, Strategic Goal 2: Equity, Strategic Goal 3: Biodiversity, Sustainable Fisheries and Marine Ecosystems, Tribal Engagement

July 27, 2023

OPC is Hiring a Marine Protected Areas Program Manager – Apply by August 17, 2023

We are hiring an Environmental Scientist to help advance our strategic priorities related to Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). The Environmental Scientist will work in our Biodiversity Program and will lead efforts related to MPA management in California, including outreach and […]

Categories: Career Opportunities, Marine Protected Areas, Strategic Goal 3: Biodiversity

July 27, 2023

A Day of Science-Based Fishing on California’s Central Coast 

It was that time of the year again when the dedicated team of OPC staff and interns eagerly joined forces with the California Collaborative Fisheries Research Program (CCFRP) for an eventful day of science-based fishing along California’s picturesque Central Coast! […]

Categories: Marine Protected Areas, Strategic Goal 3: Biodiversity