Adopted Final Version of “The California Collaborative Approach: Marine Protected Areas Partnership Plan”
OPC is thrilled to announce the adoption of “The California Collaborative Approach: Marine Protected Areas Partnership Plan” (Partnership Plan) at the December 2, 2014 OPC meeting. This plan outlines a partnership approach to managing California’s network of MPAs among state agencies, California tribes and tribal governments, fishermen, non-consumptive recreational users, academics, federal and local governments, and non-profits. The California Collaborative approach is the commitment for all partners to work together in support of a healthy ocean, and to use the network of MPAs as a key feature in that effort. The final adopted version is now available here.
Highlights of December 2nd OPC Meeting
The Council unanimously adopted the “The California Collaborative Approach: Marine Protected Areas Partnership Plan” as an overarching guide for how a variety of partners can engage in marine protected area (MPA) management. The Council also unanimously approved funding of seven competitive grants to provide funds for local and regional vulnerability assessments and updates to Local Coastal Programs to address sea-level rise, coastal hazards, and other climate change-related impacts. Lastly, the Council appointed two members to the OPC Science Advisory Team.
Snap the Shore, See the Future!
Please join the California King Tides Project for its 5th anniversary to capture this year’s highest tides, or king tides, on December 21-23, January 19-21, and February 17-19. These extreme tides provide a glimpse of what the state can expect as sea levels rise. Participating is easy: simply grab your camera or smart phone and head to the coast or bay during the high tides, and then post your photos on the California King Tides Project’s Facebook and Flickr pages with the time, date, and location of the image.
Plan your photo shoot: For information on when the high tides will reach your community and for suggestions of where to take photos, click here. If possible, try to capture both high and low tide, and be safe! There are also opportunities to take photos at pre-determined photo monitoring sites. To find locations near you, visit the Citizen Science Program page.
Learn more: Check out the Thank You Ocean Report podcast to learn more about the California King Tides Project.
2013-2014 photos now available: Thank you to everyone who participated last year! To view last year’s photos, please check the photo pool.
State efforts to prepare for sea level rise: The California Coastal Commission, a Project organizer, has released a Draft Sea-Level Rise Policy Guidance. The document is designed to assist local planners and others in addressing sea-level rise in Commission planning and regulatory efforts. More information is available online.
The California King Tides Project was launched in the winter of 2010/2011 by a partnership of state agencies and non-profit organizations. As a successful pilot effort, the King Tides Project created a rich and diverse archive of photographs that highlight the changes in California’s shoreline communities and ecosystems.
Request For Nominations – Ocean And Coastal Board Member For The Ocean Science Trust Board Of Trustees
The Ocean Science Trust Board of Directors is seeking to appoint a member who will represent Ocean and Coastal Interest Groups in California pursuant to California Public Resources Code 36992. Qualified candidates should have a majority, if not all, of the following qualifications:
- Experience as trustees or directors of for profit or nonprofit corporations
- Experience managing budgets and fundraising;
- Experience related, but not limited to, sport fishing, commercial fishing, coast and ocean recreation and tourism, marine conservation, and ocean-dependent industries; and
- Demonstrated leadership in his/her field.
Nominations should be submitted electronically by January 15, 2015. Relevant documents that comprise the nomination packet include: a letter of recommendation from a coastal or ocean interest group or non-profit organization, the nominee’s biography, the nominee’s CV, and any other documents that evidence the nominee’s credentials.
More information can be obtained by emailing Skyli McAfee at Skyli.McAfee@calost.org. All selections will be made by the Secretary of the California Natural Resources Agency, in accordance with law.
Healthy Ocean California
In the morning before the August 27th OPC public meeting, the California Ocean Protection Council and California Ocean Science Trust co-hosted a workshop that brought together scientists, decision makers, tribal representatives, and constituents to share perspectives about what ‘ocean health’ means across our diverse coastal communities.
We are pleased to share with you the summary and full proceedings:
