Our Blog
MPA Compliance Initiative: 2020 Wrap-Up
The MPA Collaborative Network’s Compliance Initiative, supported by Ocean Protection Council (OPC) Once-Through Cooling funds, and in partnership with the Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), the California District Attorneys Association, and Resources Legacy Fund,...
Join our Estuary Working Group!
The MPA Collaborative Network has recently formed an Estuary Working Group (EWG) in response to expressed compliance concerns that illustrated a need to dedicate more attention and resources to estuarine MPAs. This group is still growing with lots of direct outreach...
Collaborative Network launches new website features to enhance communication and collaboration
The Collaborative Network has implemented some new features on our website (www.mpacollaborative.org) designed to enhance communication and collaboration among the Network.Join Collaboratives from their WebpageInterested in joining one or more local Collaboratives?...
Exploring California’s Marine Protected Areas: Russian Gulch State Marine Conservation Area
Imagine a place along the California coast where redwood trees and ferns stand peacefully, securely rooted in the soil. Beneath the adjacent turquoise waters, kelp and other seaweeds are firmly attached to the rocky seabed, swaying and swirling with the churning of...
San Diego Coastal Marshes May Become Important Tools to Battle Climate Change
“So as you see behind me, there are a lot of these opportunity parcels that we like to call them,” Pukini said. “These orphan wetlands that are in and around a lot of the currently existing wetlands in San Diego County that have the potential to be restored to enhance...
The Mendocino MPA Collaborative: Engaging Partners to Fill Local Needs
Mendocino County is well known for its stunning coast and towering redwoods. These natural features are protected by an abundance of marine protected areas (MPAs) and state parks throughout the county. MPAs and state parks are often found side by side here, with nine...
MPA update: Sport anglers reel in fisheries data
Over the last two decades, California created a unique network of marine protected areas across the state with the intention of cultivating healthy ocean ecosystems. But because the act limited fishing and other activities in certain areas, it was met with skepticism...
Exploring California’s Marine Protected Areas: Duxbury Reef State Marine Conservation Area
From ancient trees to undersea kelp forests, fog-drenched coastlines to ice-carved granite peaks, the natural landscapes of California offer a diverse range of outdoor adventures. But have you ever wondered how these iconic surroundings were formed?
MPA Update: Fishing communities discuss protected areas impacts
“We’re getting hit from all sides,” says a fisherman from Crescent City during a virtual focus group discussion. “If it isn’t the environment, it’s management.” Over the last decade, California established an extensive network of marine protected areas (MPAs) along...
Exploring California’s Marine Protected Areas: Pyramid Point State Marine Conservation Area
California’s northernmost marine protected area (MPA), Pyramid Point State Marine Conservation Area (SMCA), is located just south of the California/Oregon border in Del Norte County. Its northern boundary runs along the state border, extending from the mean high tide...
Honoring the Ocean Around Mainland Los Angeles with the Los Angeles Marine Protected Area Collaborative
Similar to the other 13 MPA Collaboratives throughout coastal California that make up the MPA Collaborative Network, the LA MPA Collaborative is comprised of a diverse group ranging from city, state, and federal government agencies, non-profit organizations, Tribal...
New CDFW Marine Species Portal Provides Easy Access to Wide Variety of Information
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Marine Region is proud to announce the new Marine Species Portal! The new Portal replaces the temporary Marine Species Information web page and is another step towards making our website even more user friendly.