MPA Education & Outreach Initiative: The impetus for creating additional marine protected areas is driven by cultural, environmental and economic considerations, with extensive input from stakeholders and the general public. Designation of the areas as protected expands the safeguards for marine wildlife and fosters a more diverse environment. This project supports and enhances the California Department of Fish & Game's efforts in implementing the Marine Life Protection Act specific to interpretation, education and outreach, as a first phase of the implementation effort, spanning a two year period. Though the project focuses on activities related to education and outreach, it is anticipated that the increased public awareness of and support for the MPAs resulting from the proposed activities will have a "spill-over" effect in terms of garnering political support and funding.

The NOAA National MPA Center builds partnerships with experts and stakeholders to develop an effective, science-based national system of marine protected areas (MPAs) throughout U.S. waters. The foundation is instrumental in supporting collaboration with the MPA Center’s extensive work to establish and communicate 'best practices' in evaluating, creating and managing MPAs.