Dungeness Crab Task Force Meeting #12 – March 17-18, 2021 – Teleconference

The Dungeness Crab Task Force will hold a public meeting March 17th and 18th, 2020, by teleconference and online.
… read more

OPC is hiring an Administration and Finance Analyst

OPC is hiring a limited term Staff Services Analyst to provide critical support for grant and contract administration, accounting, and other administrative duties, as needed.  Applicants should have strong attention to detail, proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, and experience related to accounting, budgets, invoice processing or other related work.  The ability to work in a fast-paced environment and prioritize tasks is a must. … read more

Request for Proposals: PSMFC Entanglement Risk Reduction

The Ocean Protection Council has provided funds to Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission to issue a request for proposals to advance the science that will help managers reduce entanglements of whales and sea turtles in fishing gear while minimizing impacts on the fishing fleet.

The Request for Proposals is now posted on the procurements section of the PSMFC website. Proposals are due March 19th at 5pm (PST) for projects that will be in effect through December 2023.

PSMFC will disperse up to $1.85 million to fund proposals that directly support OPC’s Strategy for reducing the risk of entanglement in California fishing gear by implementing scientific research projects and fostering collaborative partnerships. Applications submitted in response to this solicitation should advance implementation of the OPC’s Strategic Plan and should support the principles outlined in the Entanglement Strategy. Therefore, all projects will be geared to developing, aligning and improving information to reduce entanglement risk to whales and sea turtles and minimizing impacts to the fishing industry. Some of these types of projects have been discussed in the entanglement science workshop held in 2020. (Please note:  This call for proposals does NOT include gear innovation work)

PSMFC/OPC expects to award funds to between 4 and 6 projects. Projects are likely to average about $300,000 and range between $250,000 and $600,000. Indirect cost rates are restricted to 15%.

OPC is hiring a Climate Change Program Manager

OPC is hiring an Environmental Scientist to help advance its strategic priorities related to safeguarding coastal and marine ecosystems and communities in the face of climate change.  The Environmental Scientist will support the work of OPC’s Climate Change program, with a focus on coastal resilience and adaptation, including nature-based solutions.  The Environmental Scientist will also be responsible for grant and contract management including developing scopes of work and budgets, tracking deliverables, processing invoices, and coordinating with grantees. The Environmental Scientist will also provide additional support and capacity for OPC’s other strategic priorities, as needed. … read more

Ocean Protection Council Meeting — February 16, 2021 — Teleconference

The Ocean Protection Council held a public meeting via teleconference from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm on February 16, 2021.

… read more

OPC is hiring a Policy and Communications Program Manager

The California Ocean Protection Council (OPC) is hiring an Environmental Scientist to help advance OPC’s strategic priorities, with a specific focus on policy, communications and community engagement.  The Environmental Scientist will be responsible for legislative tracking and bill analyses, supporting policy development, leading communications and community outreach efforts to elevate the work of the Council, and increasing equitable engagement on efforts to protect California’s coast and ocean. The Environmental Scientist will also be responsible for grant and contract management including developing scopes of work and budgets, tracking deliverables, processing invoices, and coordinating with grantees. The Environmental Scientist will also provide additional support and capacity for other OPC’s efforts, as needed. … read more

Draft Revised 2021 Proposition 1 Guidelines Now Available for Public Comment

The Ocean Protection Council (OPC) is pleased to announce the release of Draft Revised Prop 1 Grant Guidelines for public review and comment. Major revisions to the Prop 1 Guidelines include changes to OPC’s priority projects and to the scoring criteria. OPC’s priorities focus on projects benefiting communities entitled to environmental justice.  OPC will host a webinar on January 25, 2021 to present the guidelines and receive comments, and the deadline for written public comment is Tuesday, January 26, 2021. Comments may be submitted via email  to OPC_Prop1grants@resources.ca.gov. Please see the Proposition 1 webpage for more information.

Executive Director’s Quarterly Report Now Available

The Executive Director’s Report provides a quarterly update on OPC’s outcomes and accomplishments since the previous Council meeting. The most recent report, highlighting efforts between September 18 and December 15, 2020, can be viewed here.

CANCELED: OPC Virtual Public Meeting – December 15, 2020

To provide additional time to develop recommendations that can reduce plastic pollution in California’s coastal and ocean ecosystems, the Ocean Protection Council’s December 15 meeting has been canceled. Items on the December agenda will be considered at the February 16, 2021 meeting, which is scheduled from 11am – 3pm. The Executive Director’s report highlighting OPC’s efforts over the last three months will be posted on our home page soon.

OPC is Hiring an Environmental Scientist for our Sustainable Fisheries Program

The California Ocean Protection Council (OPC) is hiring an Environmental Scientist to help advance strategic priorities related to sustainable fisheries and aquaculture, resilient fishing communities, and thriving fish and wildlife populations in California. The Environmental Scientist will also be responsible for grant and contract management including developing scopes of work and budgets, tracking deliverables, processing invoices, and coordinating with grantees. The Environmental Scientist will also provide additional support and capacity for OPC’s other strategic priorities, as needed. … read more