Empowering California's Coastal Communities

in the stewardship of California’s marine protected areas

Who We Are

We are a non-profit organization that engage experts and diverse communities in marine protected area stewardship for a healthy ocean. We are a “network of networks” working together to steward California’s 124+ marine protected areas (MPAs).

Land & Seas Acknowledgement

Indigenous Californians have had a reciprocal and kinship-based relationship with the coast and ocean since time immemorial. Despite enduring centuries of colonialism, genocide, persecution, displacement, imposed borders, and subjugation, they continue to care for the land and ocean of which they are original inhabitants. We acknowledge and honor the resilience, expertise and diversity of sovereign California Tribal governments, Tribal members, and Indigenous Peoples on whose lands we live and work. Following their example, we commit to building respectful and responsible relationships between our human and non-human relatives. We are grateful for their continued willingness to collaborate in our collective efforts to sustain a healthy ocean for all.

Learn More About Us

What We Stand For

Local Voices

Strengthening local voices and agencies through a bottom-up approach.

Healthy Ocean

Empowering experts in MPA stewardship for a healthy ocean.

Inclusion

Empowering agency, tribal sovereignty, self-determination, and removing barriers.

Explore Our Network Along the Coast

Our 14 Collaboratives lead local efforts to care for and protect California’s Marine Protected Areas. These partnerships ensure transparency, resource sharing, and community involvement along the entire coast.

Explore the map on the right to learn more, and click the button below to join your local collaborative!

Explore the map

Why Join an MPA Collaborative?

Learn about your local marine protected areas

Like National Parks, MPAs are open to the public to encourage education, research, and appreciation. Learn about the marine ecosystems found in your community and how they are protected.

Communicate your voice to your community

We believe we can achieve more working together, and acknowledge that societal and ecological health cannot be achieved without the inclusion and leadership of diverse peoples and voices.

Support ocean stewardship

Like National Parks, MPAs are open to the public to encourage education, research, and appreciation. Learn about the marine ecosystems found in your community and how they are protected.

Join Your Local MPA Collaborative Now

Our Impact

Watch a message about our work!

By uniting tribes, agencies, enforcement officers, environmental networks, fishermen, and scientists, we are transforming the management of marine protected areas. Through this partnership, we harness not only natural resources but also the unique knowledge and expertise each group brings. Together, we aim to preserving the ocean’s health for future generations.