California’s coastline stretches over 1,100 miles, harboring some of the most biodiverse marine ecosystems on the planet. From the kelp forests of the Channel Islands to the rocky shores of the North Coast, our 124 marine protected areas (MPAs) are safe havens for countless species. California’s MPAs give our spectacular ocean wildlife a chance to thrive, even helping to boost resilience to the impacts of climate change.

Marine Protected Areas are similar to underwater parks where marine life is protected from certain human activities. These ocean havens allow fish populations to recover, protect critical habitats, and may help our marine ecosystems adapt to climate change. They’re essential for maintaining healthy oceans that support both wildlife and coastal communities.

California’s network of 124 MPAs covers approximately 16% of state waters, creating a system of protection from the Oregon border to the Mexican border. But as climate change, pollution, and other threats intensify, we must ensure these protections remain strong and work to strengthen and expand the MPA network to meet our 30×30 commitment.