February 24, 2022

California Takes Decisive Action to Reduce Microplastics Pollution: State Adopts a First-in-Nation Approach to Protecting Ocean and Human Health 

SACRAMENTO, CA – In response to increasing concern about pervasive and persistent pollution caused by microplastics, the California Ocean Protection Council yesterday approved the first comprehensive microplastics strategy in the nation. This leading-edge Statewide Microplastics Strategy identifies early actions and research […]

Categories: Plastic Pollution, Strategic Goal 3: Biodiversity, Water Quality

February 17, 2022

Landmark Statewide Microplastics Strategy Recommends Early Actions and Research Priorities to Reduce Microplastic Pollution

In response to increasing concern about pervasive and persistent pollution caused by microplastics, California has prepared a first-of-its-kind Statewide Microplastics Strategy that recommends early actions and research priorities to reduce microplastic pollution in California’s marine environment. The Strategy follows the […]

Categories: Plastic Pollution, Strategic Goal 3: Biodiversity, Water Quality

February 17, 2022

Ocean Protection Council Meeting — February 23, 2022 — Teleconference

The Ocean Protection Council held a public meeting via teleconference at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, February 23, 2022.  

Categories: Funding Opportunities and Updates, Marine Protected Areas, Ocean Acidification and Hypoxia, OPC Meetings, Plastic Pollution, Sea Level Rise, Strategic Goal 1: Climate Change, Strategic Goal 3: Biodiversity, Sustainable Fisheries and Marine Ecosystems, Water Quality

February 2, 2022

Marine Protected Area Long-Term Monitoring Reports Released

Hot off the presses! Results from the Marine Protected Area (MPA) Network long-term monitoring programs are now available online in seven technical reports. These projects represent collaboration between California researchers, the Ocean Protection Council (OPC), California Sea Grant, and the […]

Categories: Marine Protected Areas

December 31, 2021

OPC’s Year in Review: Meeting Challenges, Advancing Equity, Protecting Our Ocean

“As we look to 2022, our goal at the agency is to… continue California’s global leadership, combating climate change, transitioning our economy, and protecting our people and nature in the meantime. I believe strongly that people are resilient and that […]

Categories: 30x30, Aquaculture, Climate Change, Coastal Habitats, Equity and Environmental Justice, Grant Projects, Habitats, Marine Habitats, Marine Protected Areas, Plastic Pollution, 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, Water Quality

December 15, 2021

California Seeks Feedback on Draft Strategy to Achieve 30×30 Conservation Target

To protect biodiversity, advance equitable access to nature, and combat climate change, the California Natural Resources Agency today released a groundbreaking document detailing strategies and opportunities to conserve 30 percent of California’s lands and coastal waters by 2030.   The draft of Pathways to 30×30: Accelerating Conservation of California’s Nature is […]

Categories: 30x30, Strategic Goal 3: Biodiversity

December 7, 2021

Environmental Justice Communities to Receive $7.5M for Coastal Water Quality Projects

At its December 7 meeting, the California Ocean Protection Council (OPC) for the first time approved funding exclusively for coastal water quality projects that directly benefit Environmental Justice (EJ) Communities. A total of $7.5M in Proposition 1 funds will be […]

Categories: Climate Change, Equity and Environmental Justice, Funding Opportunities and Updates, Grant Projects, OPC Meetings, Sea Level Rise, Strategic Goal 1: Climate Change, Strategic Goal 2: Equity, Strategic Goal 3: Biodiversity, Tribal Engagement, Water Quality

December 7, 2021

Ocean Protection Council Meeting — December 7, 2021 — Teleconference

The Ocean Protection Council held a public meeting via teleconference at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, December 7, 2021.

Categories: Equity and Environmental Justice, Funding Opportunities and Updates, OPC Meetings, Strategic Goal 1: Climate Change, Strategic Goal 2: Equity, Strategic Goal 3: Biodiversity, Water Quality

November 23, 2021

New Report: Understanding the Flow of Microplastics from our Cities to the Ocean

Despite increased awareness, plastic pollution continues to infiltrate our oceans and beaches, littering the seafloor, ocean surface, beaches and shorelines. It also takes a toll on our economy: California communities spend more than $428 million annually to clean up and […]

Categories: Plastic Pollution, Strategic Goal 3: Biodiversity, Water Quality

November 3, 2021

California Joins Global Network of Subnational Governments Promising Action on Biodiversity Conservation

Scientists have made it clear that stakes couldn’t be higher in the fight to save our planet’s species and habitats from extinction and devastation. On November 3, California became the first U.S. state to sign the Edinburgh Declaration, joining a global network of subnational governments promising […]

Categories: 30x30, Climate Change, Strategic Goal 1: Climate Change, Strategic Goal 3: Biodiversity