SURVEYS SUBMITTED BY MPA WATCH VOLUNTEERS TO DATE

Get Involved

Thank you for your interest in MPA Watch! Our program is not possible without the commitment of our dedicated volunteers. MPA Watch programs across the state of California are continually training a network of volunteers to monitor resource use inside and outside Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). Volunteers are trained to identify onshore and offshore ocean activities and collect data on coastal and marine resource use.

Participating Organizations

The California MPA Watch program is implemented by different organizations throughout the state. For information regarding each of the participating programs, follow the links below. For questions regarding your local MPA Watch program, to find out more about an organization, or if you are interested in using our data — email the listed representative.

For general questions please contact the statewide coordinator at mpawatch@wildcoast.org.

Tolowa dee-Ni’ Nation

Del Norte County

Rosa Laucci, rosa.laucci@tolowa.com

Eagle Eyes of False Klamath Cove

Del Norte County

Ruthie Maloney, ruthiemaloney@gmail.com

Environmental Action Committee of West Marin

Marin County

The Environmental Action Committee of West Marin works to protect and sustain the unique lands, waters, and biodiversity of West Marin through environmental advocacy, education, and engagement opportunities. 

Morgan Patton, morgan@eacmarin.org

California Academy of Sciences

The California Academy of Science is a renowned scientific and educational institution, dedicated to exploring, explaining, and sustaining life on Earth.

Rebecca Johnson, rjohnson@calacademy.org

Greater Farallones Association

San Francisco County and Surrounding Areas

The Greater Farallones Association is dedicated to protecting Greater Farallones National Marine Sanctuary’s wildlife and habitats through the development of a diverse community of informed and active ocean stewards.

Kirsten Lindquist, klindquist@farallones.org

Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History

Monterey County

The mission of the Museum is to inspire discovery, wonder, and stewardship of our natural world.

Natalie Johnston, Johnston@pgmuseum.org

Santa Barbara Channelkeeper

Santa Barbara County

Santa Barbara Channelkeeper’s mission is to protect and restore the Santa Barbara Channel and its watersheds through science-based advocacy, education, field work and enforcement.

Penny Owens, penny@sbck.org

Los Angeles Waterkeeper

Los Angeles County –         Boat Based Surveys

Founded in 1993, Los Angeles Waterkeeper’s mission is to protect and restore Santa Monica Bay, San Pedro Bay, and adjacent waters through enforcement, fieldwork, and community action.

Michael Quill, mquill@lawaterkeeper.org

Heal the Bay

Los Angeles County –          Land Based Surveys

Heal the Bay is an environmental nonprofit dedicated to making the coastal water and watersheds of Greater Los Angeles safe, healthy and clean.

Emily Parker, mpawatch@healthebay.org

Orange County Coastkeeper

Orange County

The mission of Orange County Coastkeeper is to protect and promote water resources that are swimmable, drinkable, fishable, and sustainable.

Ray Hiemstra, ray@coastkeeper.org

WILDCOAST

San Diego County

WILDCOAST conserves coastal and marine ecosystems and addresses climate change through natural solutions.

Lillie Mulligan, mpawatch@wildcoast.org

California state parks

Statewide

California State Parks mission is to provide for the health, inspiration, and education of the people of California by helping to preserve the state’s extraordinary biological diversity, protecting its most valued natural and cultural resources, and creating opportunities for high-quality outdoor recreation.

Erika Delemarre, erika.delemarre@parks.ca.gov

“MPA Watch allowed me to realize that as a citizen, I can do science and help protect our oceans.”

Bethany

“I loved seeing and counting how many people utilize this sanctuary.”

Andre

“After doing MPA Watch, I was able to teach my friends and family about Marine Protected Areas and how to reduce ocean pollution by taking ‘3 for the Sea’ which means 3 pieces of trash each time we are at the beach. This helps stop trash from hurting sea animals.”

Kenneth

“MPA Watch is an incredible research opportunity that gives my student scientists real world science applications. They also gain ownership of Marine Protected Area ecosystems so that they can be advocates and stewards for MPAs.”

Meagan W.