The advisory panel and public participants are asked to address the following questions:
- What are the biggest threats to coastal and marine biodiversity in California? Which habitats and species are most at risk in the next 10 years?
- As a counterpoint to threats and challenges - the Ocean Protection Council’s (OPC) 2020-2025 Strategic Plan includes an objective to “Advance ‘Healthy Oceans’ Policy and Science” (Objective 2.5). How could California define “healthy oceans” in a way that incorporates both ecosystem services and the intrinsic value of nature/nature’s right to thrive? How can the development of “healthy oceans” policy support the 30x30 goal?
- How can the state collaborate and partner with California Native American Tribes to achieve the 30x30 ocean conservation goal in a way that recognizes indigenous rights, respects cultural practices, and provides benefits for all?
- How is California monitoring changes in ocean and coastal biodiversity by ecosystem or habitat, and/or regionally? How should monitoring results inform conservation strategies? Where are there major gaps in monitoring that need to be filled for more effective conservation?
- What sustainable fisheries management practices in California, other states, and worldwide provide measurable conservation benefits? What can we learn from these efforts that could be applied to California’s 30x30 ocean conservation efforts?
- From a spatial management perspective, California state waters are a complex mosaic with several overlapping layers of various types of protection under different jurisdictions. Which areas other than Marine Protected Areas (MPA) currently enjoy the highest levels of protection? What additional measures, if any, are needed to meet the 30x30 conservation targets for coastal waters? As a follow up, what is a science-based ocean conservation definition that protects biodiversity?
The Advancing 30x30: Conservation of Coastal Waters panel features the following members:
- Linda Sheehan (Moderator), Executive Director, Environment Now
- Jennifer Caselle, Ph.D., Research Faculty, Marine Science Institute, University of California, Santa Barbara
- Jaime Jahncke, Ph.D., Director, California Current Group, Point Blue Conservation Science
- Jameal F. Samhouri, Ph.D., Ecosystem Science Program Manager, NOAA Northwest Fisheries Science Center
- Megan Val Pelt, Executive Director, Resighini Rancheria Tribe