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California’s Marine Protected Area Network Recognized as International Gold Standard for Marine Conservation
SACRAMENTO – This week, California’s marine protected area network was officially accepted to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Green List of Protected and Conserved Areas, a high-profile international certification that recognizes the most successful examples of biodiversity conservation worldwide. California’s system of marine protected areas, or MPAs, is the first nature network in the world to receive this honor.
“We’re thrilled that California’s marine protected area network will join the IUCN Green List,” said Wade Crowfoot, California’s Secretary for Natural Resources. “As the first nature network in the world to be awarded Green List status, the system of 124 protected areas along our coast provides an important model of science-based conservation at large scale. Nature networks like this are essential to protect and restore nature across our planet and help all life thrive.”
California’s 124 MPAs span the state’s 1,100-mile coastline and cover 16 percent of state waters. Just as California’s State Parks protect special places on land, MPAs protect a variety of iconic coastal and marine ecosystems, from sandy beaches and estuaries to kelp forests and deep underwater canyons. About half of the MPA network is fully protected by no-take marine reserves.
California’s MPAs were intentionally designed to function as an ecologically connected network, helping to maintain the flow of life between ecosystems. The first Decadal Management Review of the MPA network, completed in 2023, clearly demonstrated that MPAs are providing important ecological benefits, with more and bigger sea life found within many MPAs compared to unprotected areas across the state. MPAs also support coastal communities, conserving ecosystems for their economic value and providing unparalleled opportunities for surfing, diving, kayaking, and other recreational activities – helping to drive California’s multi-billion dollar ocean economy.
Green Listing of the MPA network represents the culmination of a seven-year evaluation process conducted by IUCN in close collaboration with an expert panel of Californians representing diverse sectors such as marine ecology, fishing, recreation, tourism, and resource management. The California Ocean Protection Council, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, and the California Fish and Game Commission worked together to provide evidence demonstrating the MPA network’s alignment with the global Green List standard, which focuses on positive outcomes for both nature and people. Further cementing its status as a global leader in biodiversity conservation, California helped IUCN tailor its Green List standard so that it could be applied to a large-scale network, which will ultimately help advance nature networks around the world.
“This success demonstrates the collaborative spirit driving California’s marine conservation,” said Samantha Murray, Vice President of the California Fish and Game Commission, the primary designating entity for the MPA network. “We look forward to continuing to work alongside our sister agencies, tribal stewards, and stakeholders to adaptively manage this globally recognized, interconnected system.”
Adaptively managing California’s MPAs so that they continue to provide strong protections for coastal and marine ecosystems, especially in the face of a changing climate, is one of the ways in which California will meet its goal to conserve 30 percent of coastal waters by 2030. A key management recommendation highlighted in the Decadal Management Review, and endorsed by IUCN, is enhancing engagement with California Native American tribes. Initially not recognized as full partners in the MPA planning process, tribes are now working with the state to monitor and manage coastal waters within their ancestral territories. Moving forward, California is committed to improving state agencies’ tribal engagement and relationship-building efforts, creating a clear pathway to tribal MPA management, and building tribal capacity to participate in MPA management activities.
“This is such great news. The Green List recognition of California’s Marine Protected Area network showcases the state’s leadership in biodiversity conservation,” said Charlton H. Bonham, Director of the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. “California is committed to protecting marine ecosystems and fostering cooperation through strengthened partnerships with Native American tribes as we strive to conserve 30 percent of coastal waters by 2030.”
Managing California’s MPAs is a collaborative effort that brings together state and federal agencies, California Native American tribes, academic researchers, and community partners. These strong partnerships have always been essential to ensuring the long-term success of the network. Now, with this international recognition, California has also joined a worldwide community of conservation practice that provides an opportunity for our state to lead on the global stage while also learning from others around the world.
“As someone who was deeply involved in the MPA designation process and is now helping the state maximize ecological and community benefits through successful MPA management, I am so proud to see our MPA network join the IUCN Green List,” said Jenn Eckerle, California’s Deputy Secretary for Oceans and Coastal Policy and Executive Director of the California Ocean Protection Council. “While there is much work ahead, this honor confirms that our MPA network truly is the gold standard for marine conservation.”
