Our Blog
Governor Newson Signs Executive Order to Conserve Biodiversity, Combat Climate Change, and Build Climate Resilience Through Nature-Based Solutions
On October 7, 2020 Governor Newsom signed an Executive Order to combat the biodiversity and climate change crises in California using nature-based solutions. Notably, the Executive Order will establish a state goal to conserve at least 30% of California’s land and...
Conservation in times of political polarization: How the California Marine Life Protection Act Initiative succeeded and what we need to succeed now
An OCTO Skimmer interview with Steven Yaffee and Kaitilin Gaffney.
Tying Traditional Knowledge to Ocean Stewardship: The Del Norte MPA Collaborative
Del Norte County is the northernmost coastal county in California. It is home to two MPAs, Pyramid Point State Marine Conservation Area and Point St. George Reef Offshore State Marine Conservation Area, as well as three special closures at Southwest Seal Rock, Castle...
Exploring California’s Marine Protected Areas: Farnsworth Onshore State Marine Conservation Area and Farnsworth Offshore State Marine Conservation Area
Located around 20 miles off the Southern California mainland, Santa Catalina Island is a popular destination for those looking to enjoy island living. Kayak tours, glass bottom boats, jet ski excursions, and snorkeling and scuba diving opportunities await the numerous...
MPA Watch: Summarizing 10 Years of Human Use Data
Marine Protected Area (MPA) Watch is a network of programs that support healthy oceans through community science by collecting human use data in and around our protected areas. A variety of standardized and custom data reports are available, including standardized...
Compliance and Enforcement Updates for Summer 2020
As one of the three focus areas of the MPA Collaborative Network (CN), we realize the importance of compliance and enforcement, especially how engaging allied agencies (e.g. lifeguards, State Parks, peace officers, and county officials), impacts the performance of...
MPA Training Modules for Awareness and Compliance – A Golden Gate MPA Collaborative Project
Coastal Quest is pleased to announce 2020 funding awards totaling $889,135.17 to 13 organizations throughout the state of California for the Marine Protected Area (MPA) Outreach and Education Small Grants Program. This competitive grant program provides support to...
Blending Tradition and Tech – A Monterey and San Luis Obispo MPA Collaborative Project
Coastal Quest is pleased to announce 2020 funding awards totaling $889,135.17 to 13 organizations throughout the state of California for the Marine Protected Area (MPA) Outreach and Education Small Grants Program. This competitive grant program provides support to...
Diving in Crystal Cove State Marine Conservation Area
Time to make some bubbles and dive into Crystal Cove State Marine Conservation Area! In this story from Todd Shanklin, Orange Coast District, California State Parks, he describes SCUBA diving in the marine protected area (MPA) adjacent to Crystal Cove State Park. On...
Exploring California’s Marine Protected Areas: Kashtayit State Marine Conservation Area
Have you ever wanted to fall asleep listening to the sound of ocean waves crashing along the shore, or wake up to the sound of seagulls calling in the morning? Not far from Santa Barbara, Gaviota State Park and campground sits on the edge of Kashtayit State Marine...
The Santa Barbara Channel Marine Protected Area Collaborative: Connecting with the Galapagos of North America
Ventura and Santa Barbara counties are situated north of Los Angeles along the Southern California coastline. Although distinct, these neighboring counties share jurisdiction over an area known as the “Galapagos of North America” – the Northern Channel Islands (NCIs)....
Education, Technology, and Stewardship: The Golden Gate Marine Protected Area Collaborative
Although San Francisco is a major city and a global center for technological innovation, it is also known for having easy access to nature and strong environmental leadership. You can get lost in Golden Gate Park, go surfing at Ocean Beach, or go sailing in San...