South Coast Partners in Conservation

Creating Southern California's new network of marine protected areas would not have been possible without the hard work of our numerous partner organizations throughout the region that have been actively involved in the MLPA planning process and the monitoring, education and stewardship of our new protected areas.  Visit these organizations' websites to learn more about the excellent work they are doing to protect our marine resources and waterways.
 

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara Channelkeeper works to monitor local waterways, restore aquatic ecosystems, advocate for clean water, enforce environmental laws, and engage citizens in devising solutions to local pollution problems.
 
Environmental Defense Center promotes sustainable use and enjoyment of the bountiful natural resources found within and around the Santa Barbara  Channel through their Coast and Ocean Program.

   
The Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History operates the Ty Warner Sea Center aquarium on Sterns Wharf, dedicated to interactive marine education.
 
The Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary educates on, monitors and enforces the spectacular Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary. 
 

 

Los Angeles

Heal The Bay organizes community action programs and advocacy campaigns to make Southern California coastal waters and watersheds, including Santa Monica Bay, safe, healthy and clean.  They are actively involved in engaging volunteers in the stewardship and monitoring of Marine Protected Areas in the Malibu and Palos Verdes area through their MPA Watch program.
 
Santa Monica Baykeeper protects and restores the Santa Monica Bay, San Pedro Bay and adjacent waters through education, enforcement, fieldwork, and community action.  Their Kelp Restoration Program seeks to restore kelp beds in the Los Angeles area.
 
The Cabrillo Aquarium and Santa Monica Pier Aquarium (run by Heal the Bay) offer numerous opportunities for experiencing and learning about Southern California's vibrant marine life.
 
 

Orange County

Orange County Coastkeeper protects and preserves the region’s watersheds and marine habitats through education, advocacy, restoration, research, and enforcement.
 
Laguna Bluebelt is a community organization based in Laguna Beach that is dedicated to protecting and restoring marine life, conserving biological diversity and maintaining healthy, sustainable marine habitats.  
 
The Orange County Marine Protected Area Council is a collaboration of city and county officials, institutional representatives, environmental consultants, academic faculty and nonprofit organization members that seek to set the model for localized implementation of marine conservation efforts through regional communication and cooperation.
 
The Ocean Institute in Dana Point is nationally known for its hands-on marine science, environmental and ocean education and maritime history programs, offering numerous opportunities for students, educators, and families.
 
 

San Diego

San Diego Coastkeeper inspires individuals and communities to make clean and thriving coastal and inland waters a reality, and works to steward the San Diego's new MPAs in La Jolla.
 
WiLDCOAST, based in Imperial Beach, conserves coastal and marine ecosystems and wildlife with a special emphasis on engaging spanish speakers in marine conservation. 
 
The Scripps Institute of Oceanography's Birch Aquarium  promotes ocean conservation, interprets Scripps Institution of Oceanography research, and provides ocean science education, offering numerous opportunities for educators and students. 
 
The Sea Life Aquarium at Legoland in Carlsbad combines active hands-on learning with fascinating educational talks, and up close encounters with sea creatures.
 
 

Regionwide

The California Deparment of Fish and Game's South Coast page contains helpful information on the process of creating marine reserves; as well as a detailed page entirely devoted to maps of the entire region and specific MPAs.    
 
LiMPETS - Long-term Monitoring Program and Experimental Training for Students - is an environmental monitoring and education program for students, educators and volunteer groups throughout California focused on collecting monitoring data on our marine reserves. 

Audubon California has dozens of chapters throughout Southern California that bring people together to appreciate, enjoy, and protect birds and nature.  Find your local chapter!
 
Surfrider Foundation's numerous Southern California chapters offer opportunities to learn about and steward the new protected areas.  Find your local chapter!
 
The Partnership for Interdisciplinary Studies of Coastal Oceans -  PISCO -  is an ecosystem research and monitoring program with an emphasis on MPAs. 
 
The Thank You Ocean Campaign, a partnership between non-profits and state agencies, raises awareness of the benefits the ocean provides to us and to identify ways each of us can help protect the ocean in our everyday lives.
 
Reef Check aims to build a network of informed and involved citizens who support the sustainable use and conservation of our nearshore marine resources, and trains volunteers to monitor California's marine ecosystems.
 
Have an organization that you'd like to have listed here?  Contact us!