MPA Outreach Materials

As the lead managing agency for California's Marine Protected Area Network, CDFW's outreach goals are to increase MPA awareness and understanding, facilitate MPA regulatory compliance, support enforcement, and encourage informed enjoyment and stewardship of MPAs. The following selection of MPA outreach materials was created with these goals in mind.

MPA Videos

The California MPA Network: Safeguarding an Underwater Wilderness (YouTube)

California's marine protected areas (MPAs) are home to a breathtaking diversity of ocean and estuarine habitats and species. Learn how MPAs work, about the resources they protect, and about the people on the front lines involved in making them a success.

California's MPAs: The Importance of Enforcement and Compliance (YouTube)

An overview of California's Network of MPAs and enforcement efforts for judges, district attorneys, and enforcement officers. Created by the Resources Legacy Fund and the MPA Collaborative Network in partnership with CDFW, through funding provided by the Ocean Protection Council.

Individual Marine Protected Area Videos

MPA Posters

MPA Habitats and Species Poster

This interpretive poster contains a vibrant illustration showcasing some of the many habitats and species likely to benefit from MPA protections in California. The back side of the poster includes a key to help identify marine and estuarine species and information about California’s MPA Network.

Download a high-resolution version of the poster (PDF)

Organizations that serve the public may order free hard copies of the poster by contacting CDFW Marine Region at AskMarine@Wildlife.ca.gov. Note that quantities may be limited.

MPA Network Poster

This interpretive poster provides an introduction to the California MPA Network. It features satellite imagery as well as photographs and descriptions of marine habitat protected within MPAs.

Download a high-resolution version of the poster (PDF)

Organizations that serve the public may order free hard copies of the poster by contacting CDFW Marine Region at AskMarine@Wildlife.ca.gov. Note that quantities may be limited.

MPA Brochures

MPA Network Interpretive Brochure

This brochure provides information about the statewide MPA Network, MPAs around the world, the science behind MPAs, and how the California Department of Fish and Wildlife is managing the MPA Network for the future. The inside of this brochure contains a vibrant illustration featuring some of the many habitats and species likely to benefit from MPAs in California.

Organizations that serve the public may order free hard copies of the brochure by contacting CDFW Marine Region at AskMarine@Wildlife.ca.gov. Note that quantities may be limited.

Northern California Marine Protected Areas

California/Oregon Border to Alder Creek near Point Arena (Mendocino County)
Established December 19, 2012

North Central California Marine Protected Areas

Alder Creek near Point Arena (Mendocino County) to Pigeon Point (San Mateo County)
Established May 1, 2010

Central California Marine Protected Areas

Pigeon Point (San Mateo County) to Point Conception (Santa Barbara County)
Established September 21, 2007

Southern California Marine Protected Areas

Point Conception (Santa Barbara County) to the California/Mexico Border
Established January 1, 2012

Regional MPA Maps

Northern California MPAs (all): JPG | PDF
California/Oregon Border to Alder Creek near Point Arena (Mendocino County)

North Central California MPAs (all): JPG | PDF
Alder Creek near Point Arena (Mendocino County) to Pigeon Point (San Mateo County)

San Francisco Bay MPAs (all): JPG | PDF
Established prior to 2007 within San Francisco Bay

Central California MPAs (all): JPG | PDF
Pigeon Point (San Mateo County) to Point Conception (Santa Barbara County)

Southern California MPAs (all): JPG | PDF
Point Conception (Santa Barbara County) to the California-Mexico Border

For maps of individual California MPAs, please use the clickable map on the California MPAs page to locate and click on the MPA you are interested in. Then click on "Learn more about this MPA" to open a web page where individual MPA maps can be found in the "Printable Downloads" tab.

Also, view the interactive maps on MarineBIOS and MPA Mobile.

MPA Overview Flyers

Have you ever wondered what an MPA’s goals are, how much area an MPA covers, or what kinds of habitat can be found in a certain MPA? Need a MPA map and the regulations to go with it? CDFW’s MPA Overview Flyers provide the graphics and technical data to answer these questions and more.

Select the MPA you're interested in from the list below to view that MPA's overview flyer. MPAs are listed by location from north to south.

Northern California MPAs

North Central California MPAs

San Francisco Bay MPAs

Overview sheets for the San Francisco Bay MPAs are not available at this time.

Central California MPAs

Southern California MPAs (Mainland)

Southern California MPAs (Islands)

MPA List by County

This list of MPAs by county provides links to web pages that contain MPA maps, regulations and coordinates, natural history, cultural history, recreational information, photos, videos, and more.

MPA Outreach Materials

Individual Marine Protected Area Videos

Northern California

Central California

Southern California