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.

Otters and Online Lessons: The San Luis Obispo Marine Protected Area Collaborative

SeaLife Stewards are docents that work on the water along with State Parks in the Morro Bay MPAs
photo by C. O’Brien

Diverse marine habitats are a hallmark of California’s central coast region, from sandy beaches and dune landscapes, to expansive estuaries and dense kelp forests. Many are safeguarded by state marine protected areas (MPAs), which aim to protect the abundance of marine life

Sonoma Marine Protected Area Collaborative: Connecting Land and Sea

The Sonoma MPA Collaborative and Stewards of the Coast and Redwoods bring tidepools to the redwood forest with their Mobile Marine Van. Volunteers teach visitors about the important connections between land and sea 
photo by M. Luna

Sonoma County offers some of California’s most iconic landscapes, from towering redwood trees to rolling hills blanketed by vineyards. The Sonoma coast is no exception, with sweeping views of crashing waves that shape the offshore, rocky sea stacks and mossy forests that extend nearly down to the water’s edge.