Nearly 175 people gathered in Santa Monica on August 10 ahead of NOAA’s public hearing on California’s Coastal Management Program. Fish On joined state and Indigenous leaders, elected officials, business owners, conservation organizations, and coastal community members came together with a clear message: Hands off California’s Coast!

State agencies released remaining recommendations on changes to California’s Marine Protected Area Network. OPC’s evaluation considered the latest science, opportunities to mitigate ongoing and imminent threats to our ocean, and opportunities to advance Tribally-led stewardship and marginalized community needs. CDFW’s recommendations, on the other hand, are a patronizing exercise in defense of the status quo.

The California Fish and Game Commission recently hosted hearings across the state to take public input on proposed changes to the marine protected area network. Fish On offered recommendations on behalf of our community for 16 of the items under consideration.

Fish On’s Ambassadors went to the State Capitol to meet with legislative offices, learn from ocean advocates, and experience the policy process firsthand.

CDFW’s evaluations of potential updates to the state’s marine protected area network continue to ignore most of California’s communities.

Read Fish On’s 2025 Impact Report.

As another marine heatwave is emerging, the vulnerable red abalone fishery could be reopened before the population has recovered. If we want any hope of a sustainable abalone fishery in the future, California must maintain the current closure.

Industry groups are asking the state to adopt a slot limit for striped bass. On October 8, the California Fish and Game Commission will decide whether or not to adopt an 18-30 inch harvest size limit for striped bass caught in inland and marine waters north of Point Conception. As with every issue, we combed through the available science, consulted with experts on the fishery and spoke with impacted anglers; Here are the facts.

A slot limit for striped bass creates an outsized and unnecessary risk to native species.

California must protect our right to clean water.

Science-informed responses to common questions on the barred sand bass fishery.

Fish On’s analysis and recommendations for the proposed changes to California’s Marine Protected Area Network.

Fish On presents factsheets for federal and California state policymakers on advancing environmental justice through meaningful marine protections.

Protecting barred sand bass spawning aggregations, even if it means temporarily reducing fishing opportunities, will safeguard the long-term health of the fishery. By not targeting sandies during their most vulnerable period, we invest in the future of this beloved fishery and ensure that these incredible fish will be around for years to come.

Fish On’s recommendations for California Ocean Protection Council’s 30x30 Draft Decision-Making Framework for Coastal Waters