MPA Watch: The Evolution of a Locally-Based Citizen Science Monitoring Program into a Statewide Network

MPA Watch is a citizen science monitoring program that trains volunteers to observe and collect data about human uses inside and outside California’s newly-established marine protected areas (MPAs). Through MPA Watch,... [ view full abstract ]

MPA Watch is a citizen science monitoring program that trains volunteers to observe and collect data about human uses inside and outside California’s newly-established marine protected areas (MPAs). Through MPA Watch, trained volunteers categorize observed human uses into a set of activities using standardized protocols, which provides information about how the public uses coastal areas. Data are meant to inform the management, enforcement, and science of California's MPAs and can help to demonstrate how human uses are changing as a result of MPA implementation. In addition, these human use data can inform a variety of needs unrelated to MPAs (e.g., public safety staffing, amenity provision, loss of interim resource use in the event of closure). By involving local communities in this important work, MPA Watch programs inspire and empower stewardship, and educate citizens about California’s ocean ecosystems.

What started as a small monitoring project in one region along the coast has expanded into a statewide network in the matter of a few years. In this panel, MPA Watch program managers and other collaborators will trace this programmatic evolution. Presenters will highlight collaborative efforts to ensure consistent and efficient implementation across regions, including both technical and programmatic issues in need of coordination. This will involve discussion and reflection on practices and principles for aligning methods and protocols, recruiting and retaining a diverse volunteer base, capitalizing on partnerships across science and management, leveraging resources across distributed programs, and advancing the use of social science activities in support of monitoring. Presenters will also highlight next steps for the statewide network, including the challenges and opportunities for growing and sustaining this effort overtime.

Dana Murray, Heal the Bay
Aaron McGregor, California Ocean Science Trust
Jeanee Natov, Otter Project
Zach Plopper, WildCoast
Diane Castaneda, WildCoast
Ariadne Reynolds, Bay Foundation
Aaron McGregor, California Ocean Science Trust