The California Ocean Protection Council, in partnership with the California Ocean Science Trust, released its 2026 California Coast and Ocean Report detailing the pressures the Golden State’s coast faces, including the historic progress made in protecting marine ecosystems and thriving coastal communities. California is also investing over $6 million in funding for science and restoration projects that support our oceans. The report is considered the first comprehensive, science-based assessment of coastal and ocean health in California’s history, describing not only the pressures facing California’s coast and ocean, but also the progress the state is making to support resilient marine ecosystems and thriving coastal communities.
The OPC approved over $6 million in funding for nine key science and restoration projects that support healthy oceans and advance the state’s goal to conserve 30% of its coastal waters by 2030.
“In California, we believe in science, and we use it to protect our environment and people. Meanwhile, Donald Trump is doubling down on stupid — attacking our oceans and putting our coastal communities at risk. Through key investments, we remain at the forefront in addressing the impact of climate change on our oceans and taking action to restore our waters. With some of the most biodiverse ocean waters in the world, we will never stop fighting to ensure our treasured coastlines remain accessible, healthy, and protected for all,” says Governor Gavin Newsom.
“California’s coast and the Pacific Ocean define who we are, Californians,” said California Secretary for Natural Resources Wade Crowfoot. “Our new Report explains that while our coast and ocean is generally healthy, climate change and other stressors threaten coastal communities and ecosystems. We’re doubling down on action-oriented science and restoration and resilience projects along our vast coastline.”
Written in a format meant to be accessible to laypeople, the report covers 14 key indicators of coastal and ocean health across three themes: People, Wildlife and Habitats, and Stressors. It focuses on status and trends, actions the state is taking, and how a changing climate may affect ocean health in the years to come.
Highlights from the report include:
Most beaches in California have excellent water quality, though a few problem sites persist. The best beach safety systems in the country are giving swimmers across the state advanced warning if water quality is predicted to be poor.
As climate change reshapes California’s coast, public access — a fundamental right of all Californians — may be at risk. By supporting inclusive, science-based sea level rise planning efforts and adaptation projects, California is working to ensure that our coastline is safe and accessible for future generations.
While many fisheries in California are healthy and thriving, several that the commercial fishing sector relies on — such as salmon and Dungeness crab — are in crisis due to the accelerating impacts of climate change. Through actions like the Klamath River dam removal, restoring flow and habitat in our rivers, and improved data collection, California is restoring habitat and protecting fisheries.
Most fish species in California have healthy, abundant populations. Decades of science-based catch limits, California’s network of marine protected areas, and habitat restoration projects have helped once-threatened species recover.
Overall, marine mammal populations in California are healthy. However, entanglement in fishing gear remains a major threat to California’s whales. Working with fishing communities, the state is developing and testing new “whale-safe” fishing gear to prevent entanglement-related deaths.
California’s kelp forests have been destroyed by a changing ocean, with more than 95% of Northern California’s bull kelp vanishing over the last decade. California’s bold investments in kelp research and restoration are working to bring kelp back from the brink.
Sea level rise is already impacting coastal communities and habitats in California. Historic investments in planning, restoration, and nature-based projects are helping people and nature adapt.
Seawater off California’s coast is six times more corrosive to marine life than before the widespread use of fossil fuels. By committing to ambitious carbon emissions reduction goals, California is directly addressing ocean pollution.
In 2024, shellfish harvesting advisories or closures related to harmful algal blooms impacted 8 of the 15 coastal counties in California. California has developed a proactive bloom-monitoring program, and when marine mammals strand, state-funded rescue and rehabilitation teams respond.
The Council’s approval of over $6 million to support transformational research and restoration projects, selected in partnership with California Sea Grant through a highly competitive process, will advance California’s goal of conserving 30% of its coastal waters by 2030 and directly support a healthy coast and ocean.
Two-year research projects will focus on identifying biodiversity hotspots — areas that are exceptionally rich in species and highly threatened — to prioritize for conservation through the 30×30 initiative. In parallel, restoration projects will help improve biodiversity in coastal and marine ecosystems associated with 30×30 Conservation Areas.
To read the Ocean Protection Council report, visit (https://mclist.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=afffa58af0d1d42fee9a20e55&id=a9a68ddbd7&e=caf73ae57c)
