www.vccfa.org - History of MPA Petitions

This page has the most up to date information as of March 22, 2026 and is currently under construction. There are notes in sections designed for the internal team. *These notes will be replaced as updated.

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

As of 2026, the majority of petitions are still under active review. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife has been releasing detailed scientific evaluations, while additional policy input is being provided by the California Ocean Protection Council.

On March 20, 2026 The Department of Fish and Wildlife (DFW) submitted thier Evaluation and Recommendations on Petitions. DFW chose to divide the petitions into two categories, those that had Tribal and Non-Tribal componets. The Non-Tribal Compnents (10 Petitions) had evaluations and recommendations submitted. The remaining 5 petitions (Tribal based) are still being evaluated. Link to DFW Page

Update! March 20 - CDFW releases Draft Evaluations for non-Tribally-led 2023 Bin 2 Petitions

Comments, questions, and supplemental information on the evaluations should be submitted to the Commission. Written comments can be submitted three ways. This ensures that your feedback is formally received by the Commissioners. You can also provide verbal comments on the petitions in person or virtually at one of the upcoming Regional MPA Petition Commission meetings or at a regular Commission meeting

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The Commission is now holding regional public meetings across California to consider these petitions, including discussions in Central Coast, Northern California, and Southern California regions.

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

Scientific findings are presented
Stakeholder perspectives are heard
The Commission begins shaping final decisions

A Process Built on Public Participation

From the beginning, the MPA petition process has been designed as a public, transparent, and participatory system.

Key elements include:

Open petition submission to any stakeholder
Multiple Commission and committee meetings
Formal scientific review by CDFW
Ongoing opportunities for public comment

This structure ensures that real-world experience, science, and public input all play a role in shaping California’s MPA network.

Where We Are Now

Today, the MPA petition process stands at a critical decision point. With years of input, analysis, and engagement behind it, the Commission is now actively considering how California’s MPAs should be adjusted, improved, or maintained for the future.

For commercial fishermen and coastal communities, this process represents a rare opportunity to ensure that management decisions reflect both sound science and the realities of working waterfronts.

April 14 CDFW Tribal Committee Meeting Update and Discussion of Bin 2 Petitions w/Tribal Components (5 petitions not yet evaluated by CDFW)

Important Upcoming Dates

April 14 CDFW Tribal Committee Meeting Update and Discussion of Bin 2 Petitions w/Tribal Components (5 petitions not yet evaluated by CDFW)

Regional Fish and Game Commission Meetings

Half Moon Bay April 21 Venue and Time TBD

Santa Barbara May 5, 6 Venue and Time TBD

Oceanside Northern San Diego May 19 Venue and Time TBD

Milestones/Updates

March 20

CA Department Fish and Wildlife Recomendations to CA Fish and Game Commission View Here