The meeting materials for the December 9, 2025 Council Meeting are now available! ⬇️

ICYMI: The California Coast & Ocean Newsletter for November is out! 🌊 🔗 Explore it all: bit.ly/OPC-NOV2025

🌊 Join us virtually or in-person for the next Council meeting on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.! For details and the full agenda, visit 🔗 bit.ly/OPC-DEC-2025

Discover how California researchers are tackling microplastic pollution. Join us to learn how microplastics move from dryers to watersheds, accumulate in marine life, and can be captured through smarter stormwater design. 🗓️ Nov. 25, 2025 | 9:00–10:45 a.m. 🔗 bit.ly/OPC-MPWP

California #KingTides are coming soon! We need your help to photograph the highest projected tides of the year, to create a record of changes to our shoreline while helping us understand what's vulnerable to flooding now and how sea level rise will impact California in the future. conta.cc/3Jb1S8Q

📍OPC’s new interactive map highlights the sea level rise planning underway across California - from Crescent City to Imperial Beach. Discover where $29.75 M in SB 1 grants are helping communities prepare for and adapt to rising seas. ➡️ Learn more in our monthly newsletter: bit.ly/OPC-OCT2025

📷 Photo of the Month: California brown pelican at Crystal Cove State Park by Taylor Steigerwalt Read the October newsletter and subscribe so you don’t miss out on OPC updates and stories, the Photo of the Month, and more! 📬 bit.ly/OPC-OCT2025

Communities and tribes across CA can apply now for funding to plan and prepare for sea level rise. Join an office hour on 11/6 for the SB 1 Sea Level Rise Adaptation Planning Grant Program (Track 1) and the Sea Level Rise Tribal Cultural Resources Funding Program! Learn more opc.ca.gov/sb-1-funding

The California Coast & Ocean Newsletter for October is here! 🌊 🔗 Explore it all: bit.ly/OPC-OCT2025

📸✨ Got a shot that shines? Send us your best photo capture for our Photo of the Month! From tidepools and sunsets to your favorite fish or marine mammal, we want to see California’s coast and ocean through your eyes. ➡️ Submit your photo today! opc.ca.gov/photo

This past week, California celebrated a global honor for the state's Marine Protected Area Network at the IUCN World Conservation Congress and reaffirmed the shared commitment to protecting California’s coast and ocean for all. #climateaction #biodiversity #conservation #30x30CA #iucncongress

At the IUCN World Conservation Congress in Abu Dhabi, OPC's Executive Director Jenn Eckerle and Senior Biodiversity Program Manager & Tribal Liaison Michael Esgro contributed to the global conversation on how subnational governments can drive ambitious climate and biodiversity action.

📢 Call for Tribal Representatives! The Marine Protected Area Statewide Leadership Team is seeking tribal representatives from California’s coastal regions. Nominations close January 13, 2026. Learn more ⬇️ www.opc.ca.gov/2025/10/mslt...

California’s Marine Protected Area Network is ‘making waves’ around the world! #iucncongress2025 #IUCNcongress

California’s 124 MPAs earned global recognition! At #IUCNcongress2025, OPC’s Jenn Eckerle & Michael Esgro accepted the IUCN Green List Award for California’s MPA Network, honoring the state's global leadership in ocean conservation.

Applications are open for the 2025–26 WHALE TAIL® Program Tribal & Environmental Justice Small Grants! 🗓️ Deadline: Dec 15, 2025 💻 Info session: Nov 6, 3:30–5 p.m. Learn more: opc.ca.gov/2025/10/whale-tail-grant

California Takes Its Global Ocean Leadership to the World Stage 🔗 Read the press release: www.gov.ca.gov/2025/10/10/c...

🐋⚓ #FisheriesFridays Did you know that OPC funding helps protect whales by reducing entanglement risk, while also supporting California’s fisheries through innovation and collaboration? 👉 Learn more: bit.ly/OPC-GEAR

The Ocean Protection Council meeting will start at 1PM! Watch it live on YouTube: youtube.com/live/1OvWG2aN64Q To join by Zoom or view the meeting materials visit our website: opc.ca.gov/2025/08/council-meeting-september-30-2025

Reminder: Council meeting tomorrow! The Ocean Protection Council meets on Tuesday, September 30, 2025 at 1 PM, both virtually and in person. You can view the agenda and meeting materials on our website. opc.ca.gov/2025/08/coun...

Dive into what’s happening across California in our September newsletter — full of projects, funding news, and stories you’ll want to follow. 🔗 Read the newsletter: bit.ly/OPC-SEP-2025

OPC seeks information to understand how federal actions are impacting efforts to understand, conserve, and protect California’s coast and ocean. Learn more and complete the survey: bit.ly/OPC-FDSURVEY

Myth: Kelp forests don’t need our help to recover. Fact: Conservation and restoration action can help kelp thrive. Thank you for joining us for the Myth vs. Kelp Series! 💙🌿 Follow us on our other socials to explore the myth vs. fact details and see the full series: opc.ca.gov/social

📰 New Quillback Rockfish stock assessment and rapid state response improve groundfish fishing opportunity! Learn more: bit.ly/OPC-QRF

Welcome to the final week of the Myth vs. Kelp Series! ⬇️ Myth: Kelp forests are thriving along California's coast. Fact: In many places, California's kelp forests are under threat. Follow us on our other socials to get the details: opc.ca.gov/social

Week 2 / Part 2 of the Myth vs. Kelp Series ⬇️ Myth: Kelp loss doesn’t impact life on land. Fact: Kelp protects coasts and helps sustain life. Follow us on our other socials to get the details! opc.ca.gov/social 'Sea' you next week as we continue our Kelp Myth vs. Fact series!

🌊 Public Webinar – Achieving 30×30 in California’s Coastal Waters 🌊 Join us on Thursday, September 4, 2025 (1–2 p.m.) for a look at the work ahead to meet California’s #30x30 goal in coastal waters. 🔗 Register on Zoom: bit.ly/OPC-30x30-25 #30x30CA #OceanConservation #CaliforniaCoast

Week 2 / Part 1 of the Myth vs. Kelp Series ⬇️ Myth: Kelp has no value. Fact: Kelp fuels a healthy ocean, strong communities, and California’s economy. Follow us on our other socials to get the details! opc.ca.gov/social

Week 1 / Part 2 of the Myth vs. Kelp Series ⬇️ Myth: Kelp is an ocean plant. Fact: Kelp isn’t a plant, it’s algae! Follow us on our other socials to get the details! opc.ca.gov/social

The California Coast & Ocean Newsletter for August is here! 🌊 🔗 Explore it all: bit.ly/OPC-AUG-2025

📷 It's #WorldPhotographyDay! We 💙 everyone's submissions for the “Photo of the Month” - and we can't wait to see YOURS! Whether it’s a serene shoreline, vibrant marine life, or a captivating coastal sunset, share the beauty of CA's coast & ocean through your lens! ➡️ opc.ca.gov/2024/08/submit-photo

Welcome to our Kelp Myths vs. Facts series! Myth: Kelp forests are slimy, spooky, and best left alone. Fact: Kelp forests are hubs for marine life and people! Follow us on our other socials to learn more: opc.ca.gov/social

This week, OPC leadership attended the 30×30 Partnership Summit. They hosted a coastal waters panel showcasing state, federal, tribal, and community partnerships, and took part in an international convening on the importance of subnational leadership in protecting nature and fighting climate change.

🌊🌿 30×30 Progress in Action! At the 2025 30×30 Summit in San Diego, OPC and California Natural Resources Agency celebrated California’s conservation gains. 📍 21.9% of our coastal waters and 26.1% of our lands are now conserved, bringing us closer to protecting 30% by 2030. 🔗 opc.ca.gov/30x30

📢 We’re hiring! Join OPC as our next Tribal Affairs and Community Engagement Specialist and help ensure California’s coast and ocean programs reflect the voices, priorities, and needs of tribes and coastal communities. 🗓 Apply by August 27, 2025 🔗 Learn more: bit.ly/OPC-TCES

⏳ There's still time to have your voice heard on the OPC Draft 2026–2030 Strategic Plan—but don’t wait! Tomorrow, August 1, is the last day! 🔵 opc.ca.gov/2026-2030-strategic-plan Let’s work together to protect what matters! 💙

Join in today, 7/28 @ Noon for the Secretary Speaker's Series, 'Conserving California: Protecting our Special Places in Turbulent Times' with CA Natural Resources Secretary Wade Crowfoot! We'll discuss 30x30’s progress over the last year in California. Register: ca-water-gov.zoom.us/webinar/regi...

We've already received so much valuable feedback through our Engagement + Partnerships Survey, but we still want to hear from YOU! 📅 Survey closes July 20, 2025 🔗 Take the survey: bit.ly/OPC-SURVEY-25

The California Coast & Ocean Newsletter for July is here! 🌊 In this issue: 📌 30x30 Updates 📌 OPC’s Draft 2026–2030 Strategic Plan 📌 The new Marine Protected Area Statewide Leadership Team Work Plan 📌 A deep dive on adaptive management And much more! 🔗 Explore it all: bit.ly/OPC-JULY-2025

“Obviously these actions are going to hamper California’s ability to predict, respond and adapt to climate impacts like sea level rise, ocean acidification, marine heat waves, and will lead to impacts for our coastal economies and ecosystems." - Jenn Eckerle, OPC Executive Director

Reminder! Have questions about OPC’s new $10 million funding opportunity to support #30x30CA in coastal waters? Join our Virtual Office Hour tomorrow, July 9, from 11 am to noon, for live Q&A with OPC staff. 🖱️ Register here: bit.ly/OPC-OH30x30

📷 Calling All Photographers: Submit Your Photo for the “Photo of the Month” Have a stunning shot of California’s coast or ocean? We want to showcase your work in the Photo of the Month feature of our monthly newsletter! Submission details ➡️ opc.ca.gov/2024/08/submit-photo

📣 Join California Natural Resources Agency for a Public Listening Session for the Tribal Stewardship Policy and Toolkit. 📅 Tuesday, July 8 at 🕒 3:00 – 5:00 PM Register to join at: us06web.zoom.us/meeting/regi... #tribes #tribal #landback #access

🌊 Now Open: Sea Level Rise Tribal Cultural Resources Funding Program 📅 Informational Webinar: July 10, 2025, at 10 AM 📅 First Proposal Deadline: September 12, 2025 🔗 Learn more and apply: opc.ca.gov/sb-1-tribal-funding 📷 Photo: Morro Bay State Park / California King Tides

The Marine Protected Area Statewide Leadership Team (MSLT) released the new MSLT Work Plan—a collaborative guide to strengthen California’s world-class MPA Network and protect the ecological, cultural, and community value of California’s MPAs now and into the future. 🔗 bit.ly/MSLT-WP-2025

This Velella velella, isn’t a jellyfish—it’s a hydrozoan that sails the ocean surface. They aren't harmful to people but do feed on small prey, such as fish, shrimp, and plankton. 📷 Photo of the Month by John Dorsey at El Segundo Beach. Submit YOUR photo: opc.ca.gov/2024/08/submit-photo

The California Coast & Ocean Newsletter for June is here! 🌊 🔗 Dive in: bit.ly/OPC-JUNE-2025

🌊✨ We're seeking bold ideas to help California protect 30% of its coastal waters by 2030! Today, OPC launched a $10 million funding opportunity to drive #30x30CA in coastal waters—supporting biodiversity, marine restoration, community-led stewardship, and tribal partnerships. 🔗 bit.ly/30x30-RFP

ICYMI: The 🎥 recording of Saving California's Underwater Forests is available now to watch 👀 here: youtu.be/41P_AsPWkO4

OPC is proud to help fund #SnapshotCalCoast. Through June, this community science effort invites YOU to visit the coast, snap photos of marine life, and upload them to iNaturalist. Your observations help researchers better understand California’s biodiversity. Learn more: 🔗 calacademy.org/calcoast