MPA Watch is a community science program that supports marine protected areas (MPAs) and ocean health by training volunteers to collect data on human activity along the coast.

The Environmental Action Committee of West Marin (EAC) is a certified MPA Watch partner, managing Marin MPA Watch in collaboration with Point Reyes National Seashore and the California Academy of Sciences. Volunteers use standardized protocols to gather unbiased, scientifically valuable data in and around California MPAs. This information helps guide MPA management, enforcement, and research.

By joining, volunteers gain environmental knowledge, contribute to critical coastal monitoring, and collect data beyond what the state can do alone. After attending a beach training, volunteers can schedule surveys and download materials at their convenience—just follow the tides and see the info below.


Dive Deeper

Learn more about Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), volunteer requirements, and sign up for an upcoming training date at a specific location.

Volunteer with us!
2025 Summer Training Sessions

Click a link below to sign up!

Drakes Beach

Sunday, July 13, 9am-12pm

Limantour Beach

Saturday, July 19, 10am-2pm

Corte Madera Marsh

Saturday, August 2, 10am-12pm

Duxbury Reef

Training complete for 2025

Have questions? Contact us or call the office at (415) 663.9312


What are California’s Marine Protected Areas (MPAs)?

California's coast and ocean are among our most treasured resources. The productivity, wildness, and beauty found here is central to California's identity, heritage, and economy. The need to safeguard the long-term health of California's marine life was recognized by the California Legislature in 1999 with the passage of the Marine Life Protection Act. This Act aims to protect California’s marine natural heritage through establishing a statewide network of marine protected areas (MPAs) designed, created, and managed using sound science and stakeholder input.

MPAs protect the diversity and abundance of marine life, the habitats they depend on, and the integrity of marine ecosystems. The Marine Life Protection Act recognizes that a combination of MPAs (marine reserves, conservation areas, and parks) with varied amounts of allowed activities and protections can help conserve biological diversity, provide a sanctuary for marine life, and enhance recreational and educational opportunities. MPAs can also provide scientific reference points to assist with resource management decisions, and protect a variety of marine habitats, communities, and ecosystems for their economic and intrinsic value, for generations to come.


Learn how you can get involved with the Marin MPA Watch Program!

Learn how you can get involved with the Marin MPA Watch Program!

Resources and links for current Marin MPA Watch volunteers.

Resources and links for current Marin MPA Watch volunteers.

In partnership with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Golden Gate MPA Collaborative, we created an online training course for individuals looking to learn more about California’s network of 124 Marine Protected Areas.

In partnership with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Golden Gate MPA Collaborative, we created an online training course for individuals looking to learn more about California’s network of 124 Marine Protected Areas.

Discover the unique features of the MPAs in Marin County and read about the importance of MPAs throughout California and beyond.

Discover the unique features of the MPAs in Marin County and read about the importance of MPAs throughout California and beyond.