FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 15, 2026
Contact: Stefanie Lao, stefanie@fcpcommunications.com, (818) 261-6871
Power in Nature Coalition Calls on the California Fish and Game Commission to Approve Marine Protected Area Conservation Proposals
The coalition encourages the Fish and Game Commission to approve Ocean Protection Council recommendations
SACRAMENTO, CA — Today, the Power in Nature coalition urged the California Fish and Game Commission to approve the Ocean Protection Council’s (OPC) recommendations for marine protected area proposals to conserve California’s coastal waters. The California Fish and Game Commission is holding a meeting through October 16 to review and vote on proposals for its marine protected area (MPA) network.
This call comes on the heels of the California Natural Resources Agency (CNRA)’s Pathways to 30×30 Annual Progress Report, which shared California’s headway to protecting at least 30% of the state’s lands and coastal waters by 2030 (30×30). The report revealed the need for greater progress on 30×30 coastal waters protections with only 21.9% of California’s coastal waters being conserved.
Of the proposals being considered, the tribally-led proposals for the Mishopshno State Marine Conservation Area and the Point Sal State Marine Conservation Area would be the first tribally-led additions in the network’s history if approved.
The Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians and the Environmental Defense Center proposed the Mishopshno State Marine Conservation Area in Carpinteria. The proposed area includes 75% of a 1.6 mile-long rocky reef, persistent kelp forest, rocky reefs, sandy beaches, and a key gathering area for juvenile white sharks. If approved, the proposed MPA would also improve connectivity of the MPA network by filling the largest gap between the Point Dume and Campus Point MPAs.
The Northern Chumash Tribal Council and NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council) cosponsored a proposal for the Point Sal State Marine Conservation Area near Guadalupe in Santa Barbara County. The area is one of the most ecologically rich areas on California’s Central Coast, with tidepools, kelp forests, a rocky reef, sandy beaches, and an offshore island that support an incredible diversity of marine life. Designating a state MPA would honor Chumash stewardship and cultural connections to the region while adding protections to the Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary. Protecting Point Sal now would help preserve its wildlife, cultural significance, and recreational opportunities for future generations.
Please see below for statements on these topics.
Statement from Sandra Sanchez, Executive Director, Power in Nature Coalition, on the state’s need to accelerate coastal waters protections as part of the 30×30 commitment:
“With only 21.9% of our coastal waters conserved and just over three years left to reach the 2030 target, California must protect the biodiversity and cultural resources that make our coast so special. Approving the Ocean Protection Council’s recommendations which include the tribally-led Mishopshno and Point Sal proposals would strengthen California’s marine protected area network and bring the state closer to its goal of conserving 30% of its coastal waters by 2030. We urge the Fish and Game Commission to approve these proposals and help ensure California meets its 30×30 commitment.”
Statement from Sandy Aylesworth, Director, Pacific Initiative, NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council):
“California’s 30×30 goal requires stronger coastal protections now. To deliver real conservation for marine wildlife and habitats, the state must add new Marine Protected Areas over the next three years. This week, the Fish and Game Commission will consider proposals that could strengthen—or weaken—the MPA network. California should create protected areas at Point Sal and Mishopshno, where Tribal Nations have called for stewardship through tribal leadership.”
Statement from Anupa Asokan, Founder and Executive Director, Fish On:
“Fish On’s community of anglers and spearfishers know first-hand that healthy fisheries depend on a healthy ocean, and believe that a strong MPA network is our insurance policy for both. We don’t have to choose between fishing and conservation, we can take this opportunity to advance solutions that protect our ocean, keep communities fishing, and ensure future generations can enjoy it, too.”
Statement from Laura Deehan, State Director, Environment California:
“California’s coastal waters are at risk from global overfishing, marine heatwaves, and the loss of nearly 90% of the state’s kelp forest habitat in the past ten years. We need strong action from California leaders to protect more of our ocean. This week, Gov. Newsom and the California Fish and Game Commission have a chance to take a meaningful step to conserve more key places along our coast, ensuring nature can recover and thrive for future generations.”
Background on 30×30:
Scientists worldwide agree that to protect life as we know it, we must conserve at least 30% of the Earth’s lands and coastal waters by 2030. In 2020, Governor Newsom committed California to the 30×30 goal, and in 2023, that goal became state law.
California is leading the world towards 30×30, especially on the land side, but millions of acres still must be conserved in less than four years. Preserving the state’s lands and coastal waters will help address the impacts of climate change, protect animal and plant species at risk for extinction, and expand access to nature for Californians.
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About the Power in Nature Coalition
Power in Nature is a statewide coalition of over 500 community groups, environmental and conservation organizations, land trusts, indigenous organizations, and tribal members dedicated to advancing California’s 30×30 commitment. The Power in Nature coalition has identified nearly 100 potential 30×30 projects across the state and works on a broad range of issues, including biodiversity protection, climate resilience, equity, recreation, outdoor access, and social justice. For more information, visit PowerinNature.org.
