Lessons Learned: MPA Compliance Tourism Outreach Campaign 2022

October, 2022

A joint MPA Compliance Small Grant project between the Monterey and Santa Cruz MPA Collaboratives resulted in the Explore Monterey Bay and Beyond Brochure and supporting landing-style web page (linked via QR code on the brochure). The resources are designed to help visitors protect, explore, and experience the unique and delicate coastal ecosystems in the greater Monterey Bay area. Encouraging a self-guided tour from North Santa Cruz County to South Monterey County and Big Sur, the brochure leads visitors through ten family and budget-friendly stops within California’s MPAs and the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. This report shares the lessons learned throughout the project to assist other collaboratives, members, and partners in implementing similar efforts. While originally drafted in October, 2022, the report may receive updates throughout 2023 as the project continues to unfold.

This project is part of the MPA Collaborative Networks’ multi-year MPA Compliance Initiative and was entirely driven by local input through the Community Compliance Forums held in 2020 and subsequent collaborative meetings. It was made possible by a grant made through the Sustaining California’s Ocean program of Resources Legacy Fund.