What are MPA Petitions *History  *Current Status   *Key Players *VCCFA's Position *Partner Positions *What Can You Do

History

History of the MPA Petition Process (2022–Present)

The current Marine Protected Area (MPA) petition process before the California Fish and Game Commission is the result of several years of public outreach, Commission direction, and scientific review following California’s first comprehensive evaluation of the MPA network.

2022–2023: Foundation and Public Outreach

The process began after California completed its first Decadal Management Review of the MPA network, which identified the need for adaptive management—recognizing that MPAs must evolve alongside changing ocean conditions, fisheries, and scientific understanding.

In response, the Commission initiated public outreach and guidance on how stakeholders could propose changes. In October 2023, the Commission formally announced the opportunity for the public, tribes, fishermen, and organizations to submit MPA regulation change petitions, providing direction on how to participate in the process.

By the end of November 2023, 20 petitions had been submitted, representing a wide range of proposals—from increased protections to expanded fishing access.

2024: Formal Process Development and Scientific Review

At its February 2024 meeting, the Commission took a major step by formally referring all 20 petitions to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife for scientific evaluation.

To guide this effort, the Commission—through its Marine Resources Committee—worked with CDFW and stakeholders to establish a structured evaluation framework, including:

• A three-phase review process

• Criteria based on science, feasibility, and policy considerations

• Significant opportunities for public input

As part of this process, petitions were organized into categories (or “bins”):

• (Bin 1) Near-term petitions with enough information for immediate evaluation

• (Bin 2) Longer-term petitions requiring additional data, policy guidance, or resources

Throughout 2024, the Commission held multiple public meetings and committee discussions, allowing input from fishermen, tribes, NGOs, and the broader public as draft evaluations were developed.

Late 2024 – 2025: Initial Decisions and Continued Engagement

By late 2024, CDFW presented draft recommendations on a subset of petitions. These were reviewed publicly through Commission and committee meetings.

On December 12, 2024, the Commission took action on the first group of petitions 5 Petitions (Bin 1) decisions either approving them for future rulemaking or denying them based on available science and policy considerations. Approval: The five petitions categorized under "Bin 1" (defined as noncontroversial and relatively simple changes, such as research opportunities) were granted. Outcome: These approved actions are now proceeding toward a future rulemaking process

The remaining 15 (Bin 2) were referred to CDFW for evaluation with ongoing public comment periods and stakeholder engagement.

2026: Active Review and Statewide Public Meetings

March 20, 2026 – CDFW released evaluations and recommendations on 10 of the remaining 15 petitions.

March 20, 2026 – OPC Policy Input Letter

The Ocean Protection Council (OPC) submitted a policy input letter to the Fish and Game Commission outlining its statutory role in MPA policy and emphasizing adaptive management, climate resilience, tribal stewardship, and sustainable fishing communities as key considerations in evaluating MPA petitions. OPC stated that petition-specific recommendations would follow prior to the Commission's regional public meetings.

The remaining five petitions were held because they were tribal or tribally co-led petitions pending guidance from the Commission's Tribal Committee.  The evaluation and recommendations for the remaining 5 petitions from CDFW are anticipated sometime in 2026.  These will more than likely be formally presented and submitted in upcoming Fish and Game Commission meetings in 2026 (either June 17-18 or August 12-13 or October 14-15 or December 15-16) However, The evaluation and recommendations (CDFW) may come out at any time. 

Along with their normally scheduled meetings: The Commission held 3 regional public meetings across California to consider these petitions, including discussions in Central Coast, Northern California, and Southern California regions.

These meetings represented the most active phase of the process, where:

• Scientific findings were presented from The Department of Fish and Wildife (California) on 10 of 15 of the remaining Petitions.  The 5 evaluation and recomendations from CDFW on the remaining petitions (those with Tribally led components) are anticipated later in 2026

• Stakeholder perspectives were heard

• The Commission has not made any decisions, however they are considering testimony, both verbal and in writing. 

2026 Regional MPA Meeting Schedule

MPA petition meetings scheduled by region:

• April 21, 2026 — Del Norte through Monterey counties, in San Mateo 8 am San Mateo Elks Lodge 229 W. 20th Avenue San Mateo, CA 94403

• May 5–6, 2026 — San Luis Obispo through Santa Barbara counties, including the northern Channel Islands and Santa Barbara Island 8 am both days Hilton Garden Inn 6878 Hollister Avenue Goleta, CA 93117

• May 19, 2026 — Los Angeles through San Diego counties, including Santa Catalina Island, in San Clemente Holiday Inn Express 8 am 35 Via Pico Plaza San Clemente, CA 92672

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What are MPA Petitions *History  *Current Status   *Key Players *VCCFA's Position *Partner Positions *What Can You Do