Expand MPA’s to Protect the Future of California’s Coast
Guest post by EarthEcho Ocean Protection Ambassadors, Maev Douglas and Myra Fisun
What are MPA’s? Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) are special areas of the ocean that are set aside for conservation. Generally, MPAs restrict extractive human activities, while still allowing recreational activities. Right now, we are positioned in a golden opportunity to continue to expand California’s Marine Protected Areas with two new proposals. The California Fish and Game Commission is considering the designation of new Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), including Point Sal SMCA near Guadalupe and Mishopshno SMCA on Carpinteria’s coastline.
In 2012, California established a groundbreaking network of 124 MPAs to protect the ecosystems that make California’s coast extraordinary. Doing so promoted ecosystem health and biodiversity, while replenishing sea life harvested for consumption as well as recreation. MPAs are also well supported by the public across California. An October 2025 poll confirms that nearly 80% of Californians strongly support marine protected areas. This broad support is evident across multiple demographics, including age, gender, race, ethnicity, and political leaning. Additionally, more than two-thirds of California voters support adding new MPAs to the state’s network.
Every 10 years, California assesses its MPAs and the surrounding network for effectiveness. During this process California Fish and Game Commission, the agency tasked with the approval of MPA petitions, votes to change, add, or remove regulations within California’s MPA network. The public also plays an important role in this process. By showing support or disapproval for MPA petitions, the public can make their voices heard by the Fish and Game Commission.
California is currently in the midst of this decadal review process and there are a number of petitions on the table for new MPAs, two of which include Point Sal and Mishopshno. The Point Sal SMCA (which is a type of MPA) holds a great deal of cultural significance. Point Sal is part of the ancestral territory of the Chumash people, and the proposal itself is co-sponsored by the Northern Chumash Tribal Council. Furthermore, Point Sal supports a diverse ocean ecosystem, including kelp beds, rocky reefs, tide pools, sandy beaches, a migratory whale corridor, a critical larval retention zone, and a seabird and sea lion rookery. The area is also an important area for baby fish and invertebrates in their earliest phase of life. Protecting it would help maintain these populations and boost ecosystem health.
Similar to Point Sal, Mishopshno, the name of a thriving historical Chumash coastal village nearby, also has a rich cultural history. This proposal is co-sponsored by the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians, and seeks to support Tribal co-management and the continued use of marine resources for cultural and subsistence purposes for all Chumash people. Additionally, this SMCA would also protect one of the state’s last remaining persistent kelp forests. California’s iconic kelp forests are disappearing at an alarming rate. With losses exceeding 90% in parts of the state, the disappearance presents a serious threat to wildlife, coastal communities, and overall ocean health.
With the upcoming MPA petition meetings, here are direct ways to take action and show your support:
- The California Fish and Game Commission will hold an open forum to hear public input on MPA petitions on May 5th, 2026. You can attend the in person and online meeting in Goletta CA and, if able, share a public comment in support of these proposed MPAs.
- Directly e-sign to support these support petitions (Point Sal SMCA and Mishopshno SMCA)!