Overview
The lecture reviews the California Ocean Protection Council’s (OPC) 2024 achievements under its 2020-2025 Strategic Plan, focusing on climate change resilience, equity, biodiversity, and fostering a sustainable blue economy for California’s coast and ocean.
Safeguarding Ecosystems and Communities from Climate Change
- OPC adopted the 2024 State of California Sea Level Rise Guidance, updating projections through 2150 for planning and investment.
- The San Francisco Bay Regional Shoreline Adaptation Plan integrates new sea level rise science for regional resilience.
- OPC’s SB 1 Sea Level Rise Grants funded 15 adaptation projects statewide, totaling over $14.5 million.
- California set 81 nature-based climate targets to absorb carbon emissions across diverse habitats.
- OPC and CARB released a Blue Carbon Ecosystem Assessment to include coastal ecosystems in climate strategies.
- Expanded modeling improves understanding of ocean acidification and hypoxia for better management recommendations.
Advancing Equity in Ocean and Coastal Policy
- California's Tribal Nature-Based Solutions Program awarded $1 million to support tribal stewardship and use of Traditional Ecological Knowledge.
- The Environmental Justice Small Grants Program funded 24 local projects for inclusive community engagement.
- OPC launched the Environmental Justice Advisory Board to integrate equity in coastal and ocean decision-making.
Enhancing Coastal and Marine Biodiversity
- OPC promoted California’s conservation leadership at international biodiversity and plastic pollution conferences.
- Released a draft framework to conserve 30% of California coastal waters by 2030, with final adoption pending.
- Designated Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary, prioritizing tribal stewardship and cultural protection.
- Launched the 2025 MPA Monitoring RFP for improved monitoring of mid-depth rocky reefs.
- Approved mapping tools and updated models for better marine protected area management.
- Funded kelp forest resilience research and artificial reef management plans.
- Created an Intertidal Biodiversity DNA Barcode Library to aid species conservation.
- Supported projects to reduce whale and turtle entanglement in fishing gear.
Supporting a Sustainable Blue Economy
- OPC contributed to California’s AB 525 Strategic Plan for environmentally responsible offshore wind development.
- Initiatives involved tribal scientists and fishermen in offshore wind planning and habitat protection.
- Provided funding for eelgrass habitat surveys and fishing community cooperation on offshore wind impacts.
OPC Summer Internship Program
- Five undergraduate interns contributed to OPC projects and gained experience in ocean policy and management.
Looking Ahead
- OPC is developing its 2026-2030 Strategic Plan and seeking public input.
- The 2025 California Ocean and Coast Report Card will assess coastal ecosystem health.
- OPC remains committed to equity, resilience, and collaborative protection of California’s ocean and coast.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Sea Level Rise Guidance — Official state document with projections and science for planning coastal resilience.
- Blue Carbon — Carbon captured by ocean ecosystems like marshes and kelp forests.
- Nature-Based Solutions — Environmental actions that use natural systems or processes to address climate change.
- Environmental Justice — Ensuring fair treatment and involvement of all communities in environmental policy.
- Marine Protected Area (MPA) — Designated regions in ocean or coastal waters with conservation restrictions.
- Intertidal Biodiversity DNA Barcode Library — Genetic database to identify and protect coastal species.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Participate in public input for OPC’s 2026-2030 Strategic Plan.
- Review the 2025 California Ocean and Coast Report Card upon release.
- Stay updated on funding opportunities and policy developments via OPC communications.