Join the Marin MPA Watch volunteer team at the Corte Madera Marsh and become one of our valuable VIPS!
Our day will include an overview of Environmental Action Committee of West Marin (EAC), what are Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), California Marine Protected Areas network, MPAs significance, and roles and commitments of the MPA Watch Program. We will follow this up by walking the Corte Madera Marsh survey route together and train you on how to collect data by using a survey sheet. This field training is open to new volunteers and existing Marin MPA Watch volunteers looking to learn a new transect. Learn more below.
We ask each volunteer to bring their calendar with them, so we can schedule 1-2 survey dates per month over the course of the next six months. Please wear layers, sunscreen and a hat, and bring water and a snack.
What is an MPA?
Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) conserve biological diversity and protect a variety of marine habitats, communities and ecosystems for their intrinsic value, while allowing for human use of marine resources. 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. California MPAs were designed by local stakeholders with guidance and feedback from scientists, managing agencies, experts, policymakers, and the general public, to achieve goals set forth in California's Marine Life Protection Act (MLPA). By protecting sensitive ocean and coastal habitat, marine life flourishes and, in turn, creates a healthier system overall.
What is MPA Watch?
- MPA Watch is a citizen science program. The Marin MPA Watch is focused on MPA's in Marin County, CA.
- Volunteers collect scientific data on coastal and marine resource use
- Collected data helps inform MPA management and supports the California Department of Fish and Wildlife
MPA Watch trains volunteers to observe and collect unbiased data on coastal and marine resource use. Volunteers will be trained to collect valuable data on ocean users and their activities, such as surfing, kayaking, fishing, boating, running, etc. Specifically, the MPA Watch volunteers will observe and record both consumptive and non-consumptive offshore and onshore activities in and around MPAs, which will improve our understanding of how people are using these new MPAs. Data are meant to inform the management, enforcement, and science of California's marine protected areas (MPAs) and allow us to see how human uses are changing as a result of MPA implementation. By involving local communities in this important work, MPA Watch programs inspire and empower stewardship, and educate citizens about California's ocean ecosystems.
Not only do local volunteers learn about their coastal environment and become "citizen scientists" and stewards of the area, but they generate quantities of monitoring data that would not be possible under the current state budget.
RSVP Required: Click here for our volunteer sign up page
