Our Blog
California Marine Sanctuary Foundation Wants Your Input on a Variety of MPA Projects
2020 Outreach Coming to Your Area! During Spring and Summer of 2020, CMSF will be conducting outreach in your county and would like to work with you, the local pros! If you are interested in viewing the outreach locations for 2020, are in need of materials for your...
MPA Watch 2019 Annual Data Reports Available on the MPA Watch Website
MPA Watch reports provide a snapshot of human use of coastal and marine resources in California. Reports for the period January 1 - December 31, 2019 are now available online for all participating programs. Please visit mpawatch.org/reports to download. MPA Watch is a...
SUMMER Snapshot Cal Coast 2020
Snapshot Cal Coast is an annual statewide effort to document California’s coastal biodiversity over two weeks every summer. Snapshot Cal Coast is a community campaign that encourages and provides opportunities for people to make and share observations of plants,...
Exploring California’s Marine Protected Areas: Swami’s State Marine Conservation Area
Located offshore of Encinitas about 50 miles north of the United States-Mexico border, Swami’s State Marine Conservation Area (SMCA) is a popular destination for visitors year-round, owing to its consistently pleasant weather and expansive beaches. Established in 2012...
A Story of Homecoming
What Marine Protected Areas Mean to Me Written by Aubrie Fowler, MPA Collaborative Network South Coast Specialist In a world where hoarders are kings, hand sanitizer and TP are the new currency, sweats are the latest ‘office’ fashion trend, the 405 is...
MPA Update: Integrating data to assess California’s marine protected areas
Magnificent kelp forests, flowing beds of vibrant green seagrass, and enigmatic deep-sea corals are interwoven by a vibrant array of inhabitants both familiar and alien. Rich habitats that support life from the smallest microorganisms to the colossal blue whale. More...
MPA Art Challenge
What do marine protected areas (MPAs) mean to you? Participate in the MPA Collaborative Network's #MPAartchallenge and show us what MPAs mean to you! Create a piece of art showcasing what comes to your mind when you think of marine protected areas. All ages are...
A Model of Collaboration: The Orange County Marine Protected Area Council
In order to provide continued protection within those now historical MPAs, a partnership of city and county officials, institutional representatives, environmental consultants, academic faculty, and nonprofit organization members formed what is known as the Orange...
Exploring California’s Marine Protected Areas: Montara State Marine Reserve
Summer temperatures in California’s land-locked central valley can soar above 100 degrees Fahrenheit, forcing residents to take refuge in their air-conditioned homes. Another popular way to beat the heat is to visit the coast near San Francisco, where billows of...
MPA update: Sandy beaches and surf zones offer clues to ocean health
“One more time, I’m going to start the camera now,” Jessica Madden takes a deep breath and dives ten feet down to the sea floor, where she has just placed an instrument known as a Baited Remote Underwater Video (BRUV). The BRUV consists of a GoPro attached to a piece...
Exploring California’s Marine Protected Areas: Lovers Point-Julia Platt State Marine Reserve
Monterey beckons to people who love the seaside. Families, kayakers, divers, and photographers flock to its breathtaking ocean views, historic charm, and easy coastal access. With the Pacific Ocean hugging this coastal city, locals and visitors alike can easily find...
Beyond Cannery Row: The Monterey Marine Protected Area Collaborative
Monterey has built its reputation on abundant marine resources and scenic bay waters. Visitors flock to see the sea otters, visit the world-renowned Monterey Bay Aquarium, and stroll along Steinbeck’s Cannery Row. Because Monterey draws its very identity from the...