Latest News
Dive into what’s new at OPC and stay informed on California coast and ocean news!
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Ocean Protection Council Meeting – September 18, 2026 – Teleconference and Public Forum
The Ocean Protection Council will hold a hybrid public meeting via teleconference and in a public forum on Friday, September 18, 2026. The agenda and meeting materials will be available on this starting September 8.
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OPC Releases Recommendations on MPA Petitions
In 2023, the California Fish and Game Commission (CFGC) received several petitions that proposed changes to the state’s successful and globally-renowned Marine Protected Area (MPA) Network. Twenty petitions were received in December 2023 and referred to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) for evaluation. In March of this year, OPC transmitted a public letter to CFGC indicating…
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Draft California Artificial Reef Program Plan Available for Review and Comment by September 4, 2026
The DRAFT California Artificial Reef Program Plan July 2026 (CARP Plan) is now available for review and comment. Prepared in partnership between the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), Ocean Protection Council (OPC), and California Sea Grant, and informed by California Native American tribes and stakeholders, this draft document is the culmination of a multi-year process to create a science-based programmatic guidance document.…
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Federal Notice: Review of California Coastal Management Program – Public Meetings and Request for Comments
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)’s Office for Coastal Management is conducting a performance review of California’s Coastal Management Program. NOAA is specifically soliciting input regarding the performance of the program related to spaceport infrastructure, offshore oil production, pipeline maintenance, desalination projects, and undersea cables. Public Meetings NOAA’s Office for Coastal Management will hold…
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Updates from the June 16, 2026 Council Meeting
At the June 16, 2026, Ocean Protection Council (OPC) meeting, the Council unanimously approved key actions and more than $13.8 million in investments to: advance sea level rise adaptation planning, including addressing impacts to tribal cultural resources, make meaningful progress to conserve 30% of California’s coastal waters by 2030 (30×30) through tribal stewardship, address plastic and microplastic pollution, support sustainable fisheries and aquaculture, and advance responsible offshore…
Categories: 30×30, Aquaculture, Climate Change, Coastal Habitats, Equity and Environmental Justice, Funding Opportunities and Updates, Habitats, Harmful Algal Blooms, Kelp, Leadership and Staff Updates, Marine Habitats, Marine Protected Areas, Ocean Acidification and Hypoxia, Offshore Wind, OPC Meetings, Plastic Pollution, Report Release, Sea Level Rise, Strategic Goal 1: Climate Change, Strategic Goal 2: Equity, Strategic Goal 3: Biodiversity, Strategic Goal 4: Sustainable Blue Economy, Sustainable Fisheries and Marine Ecosystems, Tribal Engagement, Water Quality -
OPC Adopts Statewide Marine Aquaculture Action Plan
In June 2026, the Ocean Protection Council (OPC) adopted the Statewide Marine Aquaculture Action Plan, California’s first roadmap to improve governance, ensure environmental protections, and facilitate sustainable development of marine seaweed and shellfish aquaculture. The final Action Plan is the result of a collaborative, multi-year effort. In 2021, OPC established an interagency Aquaculture Leadership Team, consisting of the…
Our Strategic Priorities
Our work is guided by the 2026–2030 Strategic Plan: Safeguarding Our Coast and Ocean for All Californians, with a focus on four strategic goals. Click on a goal below to learn more about the partnerships and projects shifting that vision into a reality.
Build Resilience
to Climate
Change
Prioritizing cutting-edge science, adaptation planning, and protecting coastal communities and marine ecosystems from the impacts of sea level rise, coastal flooding, ocean acidification, and other climate-driven threats.
Maximize Community Benefits and Stewardship
Centering tribal and community needs, increasing stewardship and coastal access, and ensuring all Californians have a meaningful voice in safeguarding the coast and ocean.
Safeguard Coastal
and Marine
Biodiversity
Strengthening biodiversity, restoring vital habitats, protecting coastal water quality, and addressing emerging threats to coast and ocean health.
Enable a Sustainable Blue Economy That Protects Ocean Health
Supporting thriving fishing communities, climate-resilient fisheries, sustainable aquaculture, and reducing impacts from industrial uses of the ocean.