MPA Research & MonitoringMPA Outreach & EducationMPA Enforcement & ComplianceMPA Policy & Permitting Online Form - Constant Contact Signup Form California's marine protected areas (MPAs) are managed as a statewide network through the MPA Management Program. AboutGoalsProcessReports and Resources About the MPA Management Program California’s MPAs are managed as a statewide network through the MPA Management Program*. This program consists of four pillars and was designed to facilitate the adaptive management of California’s MPA Network as an interconnected system of protected areas along the entire California coast. The MPA Management Program and its components are guided by several foundational documents including the Master Plan for MPAs (Master Plan), the MPA Partnership Plan (PDF) (Partnership Plan), and the MPA Monitoring Action Plan (Action Plan). The Master Plan directs the design, implementation, and management of California’s MPA Network. The Partnership Plan provides guidance on a partnership based approach for managing the Network. The Action Plan informs next steps for long-term monitoring and will aid in the adaptive management and evaluation of the Network in meeting the goals of the MLPA. The MPA Management Program is a collaboration between the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Ocean Protection Council, the Fish and Game Commission, and the MPA Statewide Leadership Team. This novel partnership-based approach ensures California’s MPA network is adaptively managed and informed by engaged partnerships. For more information, refer to the Master Plan for MPAs, the Ocean Protection Council's MPA Partnerships web page, or the MPA Action Plan. * synonymous with the “Marine Life Protection Program” adopted by the California Fish and Game Commission Program Goals To improve the design and effectiveness of California’s MPAs, the Marine Life Protection Act requires the Fish and Game Commission to adopt a MPA Management Program with the following goals: Protect the natural diversity and abundance of marine life, and the structure, function, and integrity of marine ecosystems. Help sustain, conserve, and protect marine life populations, including those of economic value, and rebuild those that are depleted. Improve recreational, educational, and study opportunities provided by marine ecosystems that are subject to minimal human disturbance, and to manage these uses in a manner consistent with protecting biodiversity. Protect marine natural heritage, including protection of representative and unique marine life habitats in California waters for their intrinsic values. Ensure California's MPAs have clearly defined objectives, effective management measures, and adequate enforcement, and are based on sound scientific guidelines. Ensure the State's MPAs are designed and managed, to the extent possible, as a network. In addition to these six primarily ecosystem-based goals, the Marine Life Protection Act also states the Program shall include: An improved marine life reserve component consistent with guidelines specified within the act. Specific identified objectives, and management and enforcement measures, for all MPAs in the system. Provisions for monitoring, research, and evaluation at selected sites to facilitate adaptive management of MPAs and ensure that the system meets the stated goals. Provisions for educating the public about MPAs, and for administering and enforcing MPAs in a manner that encourages public participation. A process for the establishment, modification, or abolishment of existing MPAs or new MPAs established pursuant to this program. View the full text of the Marine Life Protection Act California Legislative Information website Program Process The Marine Life Protection Act goals, objectives, and design considerations serve as the cornerstone for the MPA Management Program’s adaptive management process. This process was designed to help the State learn and evaluate whether California’s MPA Network is making progress towards meeting the goals of the Marine Life Protection Act. The adaptive management process consists of three steps and provides a framework for implementing potential management actions: Guiding Documents The MPA Management Program is guided by several foundational documents including the Master Plan for MPAs(Master Plan), the MPA Partnership Plan (PDF)(Partnership Plan), and the MPA Monitoring Action Plan (Action Plan). The Master Plan directs the design, implementation, and management of California’s MPA Network. The Partnership Plan provides guidance on a partnership based approach for managing the Network. The Action Plan informs next steps for long-term monitoring and will aid in the adaptive management and evaluation of the Network in meeting the goals of the MLPA. Master Plan for MPAs MPA Partnership Plan (PDF) MPA Monitoring Action Plan State of the Region Reports Baseline monitoring occurred from 2007 – 2018, and included 37 state-funded regional monitoring projects across the state. Data and results were described in technical reports for each funded project, summarized into a “State of the Region” report for each region, and informed an initial 5-year management review regarding regional MPA implementation. State of the California North Coast (PDF) State of the California North Central Coast (PDF) State of the California Central Coast (PDF) State of the California South Coast (PDF) Outreach and Education Communicating with the public about the MPA Network requires the involvement and coordination of many people and organizations. The following document has been created to help ensure consistent and accurate MPA messaging across the state. MPA Outreach and Education Guide (PDF) Program Pillars
Now Available MPA Monitoring Action Plan Looking for MPA Data? For Marine Spatial Data: Explore DFW's Marine BIOS For MPA Monitoring Data: Check out the Open Data Portal Need a Scientific Collecting Permit? Stay Up to Date Sign up to receive updates on the MPA Management Program in your inbox SIGN UP NOW Marine Protected Areas Marine Protected Areas MPA Regulations, Coordinates and Maps Frequently Asked Questions Regional MPA Statistics MPA Articles and News MPA Mobile Website MarineBIOS MPA Management Master Plan for MPAs MPA Management Program MPA Research and Monitoring MPA Monitoring Action Plan Scientific Collecting California Ocean Protection Council MPA Information & Outreach Frequently Asked Questions MPA Outreach and Education Guide (PDF) MPA Videos MPA Brochures MPA Overview Sheets MPA Posters MPA Literature MPA Articles and News MPA Outreach Partnerships Ocean Fishing: Laws and Regulations Contact Us Marine Life Protection Act Marine Life Protection Act Frequently Asked Questions MPA Founding Legislation (MLPA/MMAIA) Definitions and Acronyms MPA Planning Process Frequently Asked Questions MPA Planning Process Historical Information Overview of Alternative Marine Protected Area Proposals (PDF) The Marine Life Protection Act Initiative (2004 – 2012) MPA Mobile Website MarineBIOS (marine coastal map viewer)