MPA Sign Inventory Identification Guide
Use this guide when conducting a sign inventory survey to log and request signs in the correct category.
Interpretive
Title: “Conserving California’s Coastal Treasures”
Features: Interpretive text and photo focused; larger panel with horizontal orientation. A generic statewide MPA interpretive sign template that is adapted to be locally specific. Only these exact interpretive signs should be selected for this category, all other interpretive signs should be categorized as “Other”.
Harbor
Title: “Conserving California’s Coastal Treasures”
Features: Map and regulation focused; found in harbors; larger panel with horizontal orientation. A generic statewide MPA harbor sign template that is adapted to be locally specific. Only these exact harbor signs should be selected for this category, all other harbor signs should be categorized as “Other”.
Regulatory
Title: “Marine Protected Area”
Features: Brown background; icon focused; smaller panel with vertical orientation.
You Are Here
Title: “Marine Protected Area”
Features: Blue background; map and location focused; smaller panel with vertical orientation.
Good Tide-Pooler Rules
Title: Varies
Features: Illustrated tidepool background with hermit crab; larger panel with vertical orientation.
Other Types of Signs with MPA Information
All other signs: Any other interpretive or regulatory signs with MPA information. Examples include signs made by local jurisdictions such as State Parks, National Marine Sanctuaries, County Parks, and Cities. They may feature information about tidepools, respecting wildlife, the local area, etc.