California Ocean Protection Council

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

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

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

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

🌊 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

🦭 What sounds like chaos at the Santa Cruz Wharf is actually clear communication. California sea lions (Zalophus californianus) are highly vocal, using a range of barks, growls, and grunts to navigate their social lives — who's in charge, who's keeping their spot, and who's pushing their luck!

Photo of the Month by Kyla Kelly

We feature a new community photo every month in our newsletter. Have a stunning California coast or ocean related shot to share? We want to see it!

More info and submission details here opc.ca.gov/2024/08/submit-photo

"We owe it to ourselves, to our ancestors, to future generations, and to the land we call home to protect our oceans."

-- Governor Gavin Newsom's proclamation of April 28, 2026, as “California Ocean Day.”

Thank you to all of the amazing individuals and organizations involved in this incredible event! Let's keep making waves 🌊

Environment California
CALPIRG Students
Azul
Coare
Monterey Bay Aquarium
Outdoor Outreach
Surfrider Foundation - California

https://www.instagram.com/p/DXw3bfdOYDF/

"We owe it to ourselves, to our ancestors, to future generations, and to the land we call home to protect our oceans." -- Governor Gavin Newsom's proclamation of April 28, 2026, as “California Ocean Day.” Thank you to all of the amazing individuals and organizations involved in this incredible day! Let's keep making waves 🌊

BREAKING: Governor Gavin Newsom officially proclaims today, April 28, 2026, as California Ocean Day -- a day to celebrate the beauty, biodiversity, and vital importance of our ocean.

California is leading the nation in protecting its natural resources. The state has made significant progress toward the global goal to conserve 30% of lands and coastal waters by 2030, with 21.9% of coastal waters conserved. Last month, OPC approved over $6M for action-oriented ocean science and local restoration projects that advance the “30x30 California" initiative and support a healthy coast and ocean.

In 2025, California’s Marine Protected Area (MPA) Network was the first ecological network ever to be certified on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Green List! Just last week, the state also made history by becoming one of the first subnational governments to join the IUCN, elevating the state’s role in shaping international solutions that tackle the climate crisis, protect biodiversity, and boost sustainable economic development.

Today, let's celebrate all of the work being done to protect and honor California's greatest treasure 🩵