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

What are MPA Petitions

What Are MPA Petitions in California?

Marine Protected Area (MPA) petitions are formal requests submitted to the California Fish and Game Commission to change existing ocean regulations within California’s MPA network.

These petitions can propose:

• Opening or closing areas to fishing

• Modifying allowable gear or species

• Changing MPA boundaries or classifications (e.g., SMCA → SMR)

• Adjusting management rules based on new science or conditions

In short, MPA petitions are the primary mechanism to adapt and update ocean protections—and access—over time.

Why Are MPA Petitions Happening Now?

Following California’s first Decadal Management Review of the MPA network, the state identified a need to revisit and potentially adjust MPAs based on science, climate impacts, and real-world performance.

As a result:

• 20 petitions were submitted in late 2023

• These were referred to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) for scientific evaluation

• Some petitions have already been acted on, while others are still under review in 2026

What Is Being Reviewed Right Now?

The current petitions under review include proposals to:

• Expand or reduce MPA boundaries

• Change fishing access (both commercial and recreational)

• Reclassify MPAs into stricter or more flexible designations

• Allow or restrict specific fisheries within existing MPAs

CDFW has been conducting detailed evaluations, and the Commission is now holding public meetings in 2026 to consider these petitions region by region.

How Decisions Are Made

The process generally follows these steps:

1. Petition Submission
   Any individual or group can propose a regulatory change to the Commission.

2. Initial Commission Review
   The Commission decides whether the petition has enough merit to move forward.

3. Scientific Evaluation (CDFW)
   CDFW analyzes biological, ecological, and fishery impacts.

4. Public Input
   Stakeholders—including fishermen, NGOs, tribes, and the public—submit comments.

5. Commission Action
   The Commission may:

   • Approve the petition for rulemaking

   • Modify it

   • Deny it

If approved, the proposal enters a formal regulatory process.

Why This Matters to Fishermen

MPA petitions are one of the only formal pathways to:

• Restore or expand fishing access where justified

• Correct unintended impacts of existing MPAs

• Ensure regulations reflect current science—not outdated assumptions

At the same time, petitions can also propose new restrictions, making this process critically important for protecting fishing opportunity.

Current Opportunity

The 2026 review of MPA petitions represents a rare and significant opportunity to shape the future of California’s coastal fisheries.

Stakeholder participation—including from commercial fishermen—is essential to ensure:

• Decisions are grounded in real-world experience

• Science is applied fairly and transparently

• Fishing communities remain part of California’s coastal future

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