StoryMap: Vulnerability Assessment For San Mateo’s Marine Protected Areas

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About this Project

This StoryMap details the results from a San Mateo Rapid Vulnerability Assessment (RVA) pilot project. This groundbreaking project is one of three Climate Initiative Pilot Projects, aiming to address recommendations from our 2023 regional climate forums. Given vulnerability assessment was a consistent recommendation, this pilot presents a robust and relevant framework to conduct these assessments across all California MPAs.

The results are meaningful for the San Mateo MPAs, outlining specific management strategies to reduce vulnerability for harbor seals, tidepools, and sea stars. In total, this project represents a crucial step in understanding and addressing climate change impacts for California’s coastal ecosystems and communities.

In this StoryMap from Sea & Shore Solutions, you will find:

• Key findings from the San Mateo RVA pilot, including identified vulnerabilities and resilience opportunities for harbor seals, tidepools, and sea stars
• Actionable strategies for coastal resource managers, conservation organizations, and community stakeholders
• Potential to scale this method across California’s MPA system

The full report for this project can be found at https://www.mpacollaborative.org/project/sanmateorvas/