The April 24 Ocean Protection Council (OPC) meeting moved several efforts forward into next steps and introduced new efforts toward protecting California’s coast and ocean in 2023.
Action items on the agenda supporting OPC’s Strategic Plan goals were all passed unanimously by the Council. Funding was approved in amounts up to:
… read moreThe January 24 Ocean Protection Council (OPC) meeting finalized significant efforts from 2022 and set the framework for continued progress toward protecting California’s coast and ocean in 2023.
OPC staff presented the Annual Coast and Ocean Report highlighting both preliminary indicators for ocean health and a retrospective of OPC accomplishments towards achieving 2020-2025 Strategic Plan goals in 2022. Action items on the agenda supporting OPC’s 2023 efforts towards meeting Strategic Plan goals were all passed unanimously by the Council, including:
… read moreOcean Protection Council (OPC) welcomes expressions of interest to join the OPC Science Advisory Team (OPC SAT). The OPC SAT provides scientific analysis, advice, and expertise needed to ensure the best available science informs OPC policy and funding decisions. The OPC SAT offers a critical venue for bringing state leaders and scientists together around pressing ocean and coastal challenges. … read more
OPC has funded Coastal Quest to administer the third round of a small grants program to support outreach and education projects that increase outreach and engagement of California’s marine protected areas.
This program will provide grants between $25,000 and $100,000 to proposals that engage or conduct outreach targeting:
The October 6 Ocean Protection Council (OPC) meeting was an exciting and moving gathering. State and federal agencies, tribes, non-profit and business partners, and members of the public joined together with joyful tears and cheers in support of landmark decision-making in areas of tribal engagement and environmental justice as well as continued uplifting of the best available science to meet some of the state’s biggest challenges.
We are excited to announce that the California Ocean Protection Council (OPC) will consider adoption of its first-ever Equity Plan at the October 6, 2022 Council meeting. The Equity Plan represents OPC’s commitment to advancing equity across ocean and coastal policies and actions in California, as well as strengthening internal efforts to create a more inclusive workplace at OPC.
By Michael Esgro, Senior Biodiversity Program Manager & Tribal Liaison
Yesterday, hundreds of environmental champions (including OPC leadership and staff!) met at California Natural Resources Agency (CNRA) Headquarters in Sacramento for the official kickoff of the 30×30 Partnership. This new collaborative brings together local, state, federal, and tribal leaders from across the state to ensure the voices of all Californians are represented in the state’s bold effort to conserve 30% of its lands and coastal waters by 2030.
August 22, 2022
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contacts:
Jenn Eckerle, jenn.eckerle@resources.ca.gov
Maria Rodriguez, maria.rodriguez@resources.ca.gov
Wiyot Tribe Celebrates the Return of Coastal Land
46 acres acquired in partnership with the Ocean Protection Council
Humboldt County, Calif. – In a ceremony held last Friday in Humboldt, the Wiyot Tribe and its partners, including the Ocean Protection Council and Cal Poly Humboldt, celebrated the purchase of one of the last pieces of undeveloped coastal wetland and upland near the bay. The 46 acres, known as Mouralherwaqh or wolf’s house, will be preserved for the cultural significance to the Wiyot Tribe and the environmental importance to the area.
Following the February 2022 draft release of the State Agency Sea-Level Rise Action Plan for California (SLR Action Plan), public comment was reviewed and incorporated. OPC is now releasing the final 2022 SLR Action Plan (PDF). The SLR Action Plan is considered a working document with Tribal consultation ongoing and annual updates to reflect the state’s evolving progress to address coastal resilience. The next round of state agency updates will occur in Spring 2023. … read more
OPC is pleased to release its comprehensive draft Equity Plan for a 45-day public review and comment. The OPC Equity Plan represents OPC’s commitment to advancing equity across ocean and coastal policies and actions in California and strengthening internal efforts to create a more inclusive workplace and workforce for California’s coasts and ocean. The OPC Equity Plan was collaboratively developed with OPC staff and leadership, funding grantee, Better World Group (BWG), and members of OPC’s Equity Plan Environmental Justice (EJ) Advisory Group.
The Equity Plan highlights the equity efforts within coastal and ocean policymaking and research that are primed for statewide action. Specifically, the Plan outlines priorities, milestones, and outcomes to increase communication and outreach; provide targeted funding and technical assistance; improve staff training and capacity; strengthen environmental justice policies, and further integrate community science and tribal expertise into decision-making.
We welcome your feedback on this draft! Access the OPC Draft Equity Plan, or visit the Equity webpage for more: www.opc.ca.gov/equity.
Public comment should be submitted to OPCEquityPlan@resources.ca.gov by June 23, 2022.
