March 27, 2025

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 […]

Categories: Coastal Habitats, Habitats, Marine Habitats, Marine Protected Areas, Outreach and Education, Strategic Goal 2: Equity, Strategic Goal 3: Biodiversity

March 6, 2025

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). 

Categories: Event, Grant Projects, Habitats, Marine Protected Areas, Other Public Meetings, Strategic Goal 3: Biodiversity

March 5, 2025

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.

Categories: Dungeness Crab Task Force, Strategic Goal 3: Biodiversity, Sustainable Fisheries and Marine Ecosystems

March 4, 2025

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

February 14, 2025

Monthly Newsletter – California Coast and Ocean News – February 2025

The February 2025 OPC newsletter is available!

Categories: 30x30, Event, Funding Opportunities and Updates, Leadership and Staff Updates, Marine Protected Areas, Monthly Newsletter, OPC Meetings, Other Public Meetings, Outreach and Education, Plastic Pollution, Public Comment Opportunity, Sea Level Rise, Strategic Goal 1: Climate Change, Strategic Goal 2: Equity, Strategic Goal 3: Biodiversity, Strategic Goal 4: Sustainable Blue Economy, Tribal Engagement, Water Quality

February 10, 2025

From Ashes to Action: Wildfire Impacts on California’s Coast and Ocean Health

The Southern California wildfires have deeply affected individuals and entire communities, with many experiencing devastating losses – loss of life, loved ones, homes, and livelihoods – leaving a profound and lasting impact. The wildfires will continue to have far-reaching effects […]

Categories: Coastal Habitats, Habitats, Marine Habitats, Outreach and Education, Strategic Goal 1: Climate Change, Strategic Goal 2: Equity, Strategic Goal 3: Biodiversity, Strategic Goal 4: Sustainable Blue Economy, Water Quality

February 10, 2025

OPC is Hiring a Tribal Affairs and Community Engagement Specialist – Apply by February 28, 2025

Previous applications are still under consideration. If you previously applied, your application is still under consideration for this position and you do not need to reapply. We’re hiring an Offshore Wind Tribal Affairs and Community Engagement Specialist.

Categories: 30x30, Career Opportunities, Strategic Goal 1: Climate Change, Strategic Goal 2: Equity, Strategic Goal 3: Biodiversity, Strategic Goal 4: Sustainable Blue Economy

January 21, 2025

Monthly Newsletter – California Coast and Ocean News – January 2025

The January 2025 OPC newsletter is available!

Categories: 30x30, Event, Funding Opportunities and Updates, Leadership and Staff Updates, Marine Protected Areas, Monthly Newsletter, OPC Meetings, Other Public Meetings, Outreach and Education, Plastic Pollution, Public Comment Opportunity, Sea Level Rise, Strategic Goal 1: Climate Change, Strategic Goal 2: Equity, Strategic Goal 3: Biodiversity, Strategic Goal 4: Sustainable Blue Economy, Tribal Engagement, Water Quality

January 21, 2025

Safeguarding California’s Coast and Ocean: 2024 Year in Review

In 2024, the California Ocean Protection Council (OPC) celebrated its 20th anniversary and continued its mission to ensure a healthy, resilient, and productive coast and ocean for the benefit of current and future generations. Guided by the Strategic Plan to […]

Categories: Outreach and Education, Strategic Goal 1: Climate Change, Strategic Goal 3: Biodiversity, Strategic Goal 4: Sustainable Blue Economy

January 13, 2025

Ocean Protection Council Meeting – March 3, 2025 – Teleconference and Public Forum

The Ocean Protection Council will hold a hybrid public meeting via teleconference and in a public forum at 1 p.m. on Monday, March 3, 2025. The agenda, meeting materials, summary, and recording are available.

Categories: Climate Change, Event, Marine Protected Areas, Ocean Acidification and Hypoxia, OPC Meetings, 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