California Ocean Protection Council

06/05/2026

The meeting materials for the June 16 Council Meeting are available! ⬇️

Join us virtually or in-person for the next Council meeting on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.!

On the agenda:

🌊 Funding for the SB 1 Sea Level Rise Adaptation Grant Program and Tribal Cultural Resources Funding Program
🌊 Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary update
🌊 Funding to advance 30×30 in California's coastal waters
🌊 Plastic pollution updates and funding for a Statewide Plastics Monitoring Program
🌊 Statewide Marine Aquaculture Action Plan and funding to support the Aquaculture Science Plan
🌊 Funding to support fisheries management
🌊 Blueprint for a West Coast Science Collaborative for Offshore Wind

For details and the full agenda, visit bit.ly/OPC-JUN2026

06/03/2026

Seven years. One shared mission.

California's fight against ocean litter is showing real results. The California Ocean Litter Prevention Strategy Accomplishments Report is now available, documenting progress from January 2018 through August 2025.

Published in partnership by OPC, NOAA Marine Debris, California Sea Grant, and University of Southern California Sea Grant, the report tracks implementation of California's coordinated framework for addressing marine debris from source to sea.

The numbers tell the story:

✅ 19 actions fully completed
🔄 19 completed and continuing as long-term efforts
🔵 23 actively in progress
⏸️ 3 on hold

From protecting communities and human health to safeguarding ecosystems and the economy, California's partners are turning strategy into lasting impact.

This is what sustained, collaborative action looks like.

Read the full Accomplishments Report: bit.ly/OLS-ACT

06/02/2026

What is the status of California’s beaches? How are they at risk of climate change? What can we do to make them resilient for future generations? Join us for the California Beach Resiliency Plan webinar to learn more!

The California Beach Resiliency Plan is a statewide effort to understand where our beaches are most vulnerable, what solutions may be possible, and how we can take action to protect them.

During the webinar, we will hear from the project leads, OPC and UC Santa Barbara Ocean and Coastal Policy Center, about the Plan’s progress and development, project and timeline updates, and hear feedback about what matters to you and your local beach.

Thursday, June 18, 2026 from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. online via Zoom. All are welcome.

Register: bit.ly/OPC-BRPW

📷 Fernald Point, Montecito – King Tides Project

05/22/2026

Happy ! California's coastal waters are some of the most biodiverse places on Earth. Thousands of species, or as we like to call them, "our salty friends," can be found along our state's coastline. We 💙 them all equally, of course, but tap the video to find YOUR salty friend for the day! 🌊🦭🐋

05/21/2026

Looking for current updates on the work to protect California's coast and ocean? The May newsletter will pull you in! Let's get into it:

🌊 California Ocean Day 2026 celebrated with a Governor's proclamation
📅 OPC meeting June 16 (agenda is available)
💰 Funding deadline: SB 1 Sea Level Rise Adaptation Grant Program (June 26)
🐋 California is making its busiest shipping lanes safer for whales
👥 Staff Spotlight: Out on (and in) the water
🌏 May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
📸 Photo of the Month featuring Louie Zimm
..and more!

Read. Engage. Share. bit.ly/OPC-MAY2026

05/20/2026

Join us virtually or in-person for the next Council meeting on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.!

On the agenda:

🌊 Funding for the SB 1 Sea Level Rise Adaptation Grant Program and Tribal Cultural Resources Funding Program
🌊 Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary update
🌊 Funding to advance 30×30 in California's coastal waters
🌊 Plastic pollution updates and funding for a Statewide Plastics Monitoring Program
🌊 Statewide Marine Aquaculture Action Plan and funding to support the Aquaculture Science Plan
🌊 Funding to support fisheries management
🌊 Blueprint for a West Coast Science Collaborative for Offshore Wind

For details and the full agenda, visit bit.ly/OPC-JUN2026

05/18/2026

05/14/2026

Missed the Secretary Speaker Series on California Ocean Day? The recording is available!

California Natural Resources Agency Secretary Wade Crowfoot, OPC Executive Director Jenn Eckerle, and a stellar panel of researchers and conservation leaders gathered to discuss the findings of California's first-ever Coast and Ocean Report - a landmark look at the state of our coastline and ocean ecosystems.

"The findings of this report tell a story of both pressure and progress. While California's coast and ocean is generally healthy, climate change is increasingly threatening species, habitats, and ecosystem services. And the state is taking action to protect both people and nature in a changing world." - Jenn Eckerle, Executive Director, Ocean Protection Council

🎥 Watch the recording: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_mAiZ3rFFX4

📄 Read the full report: opc.ca.gov/report

Secretary Speaker Series: State of California’s Coast and Ocean:

05/14/2026

🌊 The Changing Tide Newsletter is here! 🌿 Our latest issue is packed with clean‑boating tips, inspiring stories, and important updates for everyone who loves California’s waterways.

Inside this issue:

- Sewage Best Management Practices — Simple steps every boater can take to protect our waters

- Honoring Jeff Fite — Celebrating the legacy of a dedicated U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary member

- Upcoming Dockwalker Trainings — Last virtual sessions of the season

- Spill‑Proof Fueling Tips — Little habits that make a big difference

- Fishing Line Recycling Program — 550+ stations statewide and growing

- FREE Marine Composting Toilets Study — SoCal boaters, this one’s for you

- Fall Marine Flare Collection Events — Help keep hazardous waste out of our waterways

- Free Sewage Prevention Kits — Delta Conservancy’s Clean Vessel Act Program

- Sailing eXXpedition — Women-led ocean science tackling plastic pollution

Ride the wave ➜ https://gem.godaddy.com/p/18238e1

Boat California California Coastal Commission California State Parks The Bay Foundation

Photo Credit: Incoming Brown Pelican, Elkhorn Slough, by John Charles Bruckman

05/12/2026