The Mendocino Marine Protected Area Collaborative: Engaging Partners to Fill Local Needs

_{Mendocino Marine Protected Area Collaborative members pose for a photo at Point Cabrillo Light Station
State Historic Park
Marine Protected Area Collaborative Network photo}

Mendocino County is well known for its stunning coast and towering redwoods. These natural features are protected by an abundance of marine protected areas (MPAs) and state parks throughout the county. MPAs and state parks are often found side by side here, with nine of the 14 state-managed MPAs lying adjacent to a state park. About 25 percent of California’s MPA-state park pairs are located in Mendocino County.

Honoring the Ocean Around Mainland Los Angeles with the Los Angeles Marine Protected Area Collaborative

Los Angeles County’s marine protected areas.
Image courtesy Los Angeles Marine Protected Area Collaborative

California’s network of marine protected areas (MPAs) spans north to south, border to border, and touches every coastal county. Thirteen of the 124 MPAs managed by the Department of Fish and Wildlife are located within Los Angeles County.

Tying Traditional Knowledge to Ocean Stewardship: The Del Norte Marine Protected Area Collaborative

The beach at Pyramid Point State Marine Conservation Area. CDFW photo by A. Lui

Driftwood on the beach at Pyramid Point State Marine Conservation Area. CDFW photo by A. Lui

Pyramid Point State Marine Conservation Area. CDFW photo by A. Lui

California is home to a statewide network of 124 ecologically connected marine protected areas (MPAs) managed by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW). CDFW works with many partners, including a grassroots organization

The Santa Barbara Channel Marine Protected Area Collaborative: Connecting with the Galapagos of North America

Yellowfin fringehead peeks out of a hole at Campus Point State Marine Conservation Area, Santa Barbara County
photo ©MarcoMazza, CC BY-NC 2.0

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

Golden Gate MPA Collaborative members at a remotely operated vehicle training
photo by C. Allison

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 Francisco Bay.