California Ocean Protection Council (OPC)

Evaluating the performance of California’s MPA network through the lens of sandy beach and surf zone ecosystems
Sandy beaches and their associated surf zones are significant components of California’s coastline.

California Collaborative Fisheries Research Program – monitoring and evaluation of California marine protected areas
The California Collaborative Fisheries Research Program (CCRFP) is a diverse partnership of volunteer fishermen, boat captains, scientists, nongovernmental organizations, and charter companies inte

Integrated ocean observing systems for assessing marine protected areas across California
California’s ocean and coast face a variety of environmental stressors that vary considerably over time and space.

Monitoring and evaluation of mid-depth rocky reef ecosystems in the MLPA marine protected area
Rocky reef habitats deeper than 30 meters represent at least 75% of all marine habitats in California state waters by area.

Establishing a statewide baseline and long-term MPA monitoring program for commercial and CPFV fisheries in the state of California
Humans are a key component of California’s ocean and coastal ecosystems, and fishing communities have voiced concern about socioeconomic and recreational impacts related to the establishment of Cal

Monitoring and evaluation of kelp forest ecosystems in the MLPA marine protected area network
Kelp forests and shallow rocky reefs represent some of California’s most iconic nearshore marine ecosystems. They support ecologically, economically, and culturally important native species.

Assessment of rocky intertidal habitats for the California marine protected area monitoring program
California’s rocky intertidal habitats are rare, covering around five square miles statewide, but highly important to the state in terms of biodiversity, and recreational, cultural and economic val

Assessing the combined effects of ocean acidification and warming on disease susceptibility and restoration success of the critically endangered white abalone
The white abalone is an iconic California species, which once supported a lucrative commercial fishery.

Understanding ocean warming impacts on shrinking body sizes of California fishes: Linking pattern & mechanism to support future sustainable fisheries
Reductions in body size of marine fishes linked to ocean warming have been reported across numerous ecosystem types and species.

Geography of stress: Impacts of ocean acidification along the California Coast
Increases in atmospheric CO2 concentrations are fundamentally changing the chemistry of the ocean.