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Glossary

Ocean Protection Council Glossary of Terms

Baseline Study

California’s MPA network was implemented across four coastal regions: Central Coast (2007), North Central Coast (2010), South Coast (2012), and North Coast(2012).

At or near the time of MPA implementation in each of these regions, California launched Phase 1: regional baseline monitoring. Funded by the State through a $16 million investment ($4 million per region), baseline monitoring established a benchmark or characterization of ocean conditions and human activities, inside and outside MPAs, against which future changes can be measured.

This benchmark, combined with long-term monitoring, will provide California the information needed to better understand conditions and trends of marine species, habitats, and ecosystems inside and outside MPAs. 

 

California Fish and Game Commission (FGC)

The final decision maker on any changes made to MPAs.

 

California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW)

Department charged with managing the statewide MPA network.

 

California Ocean Protection Council (OPC)

Council that serves as the State’s policy lead for MPAs.

 

California Ocean Science Trust (OST)

Trust that supports science informed decision-making for oceans and coasts.

 

Ecosystem Features

A limited set of targets for monitoring that collectively represent and encompass the types of habitats as well as use types. Ecosystem Features were identified through consultation with scientists and monitoring experts in the region and through evaluation of the ecology and socioeconomics. These Ecosystem Features were presented and discussed at public workshops and were further refined on the basis of stakeholder and further scientific input.

  • Rocky Intertidal Ecosystems
  • Kelp & Shallow Rock Ecosystems (0-30m)
  • Mid-depth Rock Ecosystems (30-100m)
  • Estuarine & Wetland Ecosystems
  • Soft-bottom Intertidal & Beach Ecosystems
  • Soft-bottom Subtidal Ecosystems (0-100m)
  • Deep Ecosystems, including Canyons (>100m)
  • Nearshore Pelagic Ecosystems (i.e., the water column habitat within state waters, in depths >30m)
  • Consumptive Uses
  • Non-consumptive Uses