June 12, 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: California’s Marine Protected Area Network Recognized as International Gold Standard for Marine Conservation

SACRAMENTO – This week, California’s marine protected area network was officially accepted to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Green List of Protected and Conserved Areas, a high-profile international certification that recognizes the most successful examples of biodiversity conservation worldwide. California’s system of marine protected areas, or MPAs, is the first nature network in the world to receive this honor.

Categories: 30x30, Coastal Habitats, Habitats, Marine Habitats, Marine Protected Areas, Press Releases, Strategic Goal 1: Climate Change, Strategic Goal 2: Equity, Strategic Goal 3: Biodiversity

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 4, 2024

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Ocean Protection Council Adopts Updated Guidance to Help California Prepare for and Adapt to Rising Seas

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE For media inquiries, please contact: Jenn Eckerle, OPC Executive Director:Jenn.Eckerle@resources.ca.gov Ocean Protection Council adopts updated guidance to help California prepare for and adapt to rising seas Called the “State of California Sea Level Rise Guidance: 2024 Science […]

Categories: Climate Change, Press Releases, Report Release, Sea Level Rise, Strategic Goal 1: Climate Change

January 12, 2023

Governor Newsom Appoints Jenn Eckerle as Deputy Secretary for Oceans and Coastal Policy

January 12, 2023 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: copcpublic@resources.ca.gov Governor Newsom Appoints Jenn Eckerle as Deputy Secretary for Oceans and Coastal Policy SACRAMENTO – Yesterday, Governor Newsom appointed Jenn Eckerle as Deputy Secretary for Oceans and Coastal Policy at the California […]

Categories: Leadership and Staff Updates, Press Releases

November 10, 2022

California Program Helps Phase Out Drift Gillnets to Protect Whales and Other Marine Species

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media Contact: Lisa Lien-Mager, California Natural Resources Agency (916) 407-6279 SACRAMENTO – In a step toward more sustainable fishing, a new California program helped 38 commercial fishermen retire large-mesh drift gillnets and adopt gear that better protects sea […]

Categories: Funding Opportunities and Updates, Press Releases, Strategic Goal 3: Biodiversity, Sustainable Fisheries and Marine Ecosystems

August 22, 2022

Wiyot Tribe Celebrates the Return of Coastal Land

August 22, 2022 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contacts: Jenn Eckerle, jenn.eckerle@resources.ca.gov Maria Rodriguez, maria.rodriguez@resources.ca.gov Wiyot Tribe Celebrates the Return of Coastal Land 46 acres acquired in partnership with the Ocean Protection Council Humboldt County, Calif. – In a ceremony held last […]

Categories: Equity and Environmental Justice, Press Releases, Strategic Goal 2: Equity, Tribal Engagement

June 28, 2022

Urchin Removal on the North Coast Shows Promising Results for Kelp Forest Restoration

June 28, 2022 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Mike Esgro, (818) 917-6468, Michael.Esgro@resources.ca.gov Urchin Removal on the North Coast Shows Promising Results for Kelp Forest Restoration Fort Bragg, Calif. – An unprecedented partnership on California’s north coast has concluded with the […]

Categories: Habitats, Kelp, Marine Habitats, Press Releases, Strategic Goal 3: Biodiversity, Sustainable Fisheries and Marine Ecosystems