Recommendations for Social Science Research and Monitoring of the California Marine Protected Area Network
Year: 2026
Type: report
Abstract: This report was collaboratively developed by the California Ocean Science Trust (OST) and a 16-member science working group, convened by OST, in coordination with the California Ocean Protection Council and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. The report authors received targeted input from additional contributors and state agencies. This document presents scientific concepts, considerations, and recommendations for incorporating the social sciences into the research and monitoring of the California Marine Protected Area (MPA) Network. The recommendations, findings, and conclusions of this report are those of the authors and do not represent endorsement or reflect the views of the State of California (State). This report was delivered to the State to inform the State’s effort to update the MPA Monitoring Action Plan. California's oceans are home to diverse array of marine life that is integral to its cultural heritage and economy. California's MPA Network was established to protect this marine biodiversity and promote the ocean's benefits to people, but to date, the research and monitoring of the MPA Network has been focused on the biophysical parameters with limited integration of social sciences or Tribal stewardship. The gap in understanding how people interact with and derive benefits from the MPA Network was identified by Tribes, multiple MPA partners, and specifically called out in the 2022 Decadal Management Review (DMR). Incorporating human dimensions research and perspectives into MPA management will ensure the MPA Network delivers benefits for people and nature. This report presents recommendations to address this gap by integrating social science research and monitoring into the adaptive management of the MPA Network, establishing a framework of six foundational "cornerstones" to guide monitoring, research, investments, and management actions. Central to this framework is the commitement to uplifting Tribal sovereignty and guardianship and elevating social sciences to an equal level to biophysical sciences in MPA monitoring and management. Implementing this framework will expand the community of people working together to ensure that the MPA Network protects the biodiversity and cultural heritage of California's coast, while minimizing adverse impacts and maximizing outcomes for people.
Authors: California Ocean Science Trust, Travis, Kevin, Zulian, Meghan, Harris, Jill, Canter, Adam, Quintana, Anastasia, Levine, Arielle, Allison, Calla, Jackson, Jules "Coach", Pietri, Diana, Crowe, Gabrielle, Selgrath, Jennifer, Kessler-Mata, Kouslaa, Shaffer, Kelsey, Ban, Natalie, Christie, Patrick, King, Phil, Klain, Sarah, Swearingen, Thomas
Institutions: Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, San Diego State University, Eastern Research Group (United States), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, NOAA Office of National Marine Sanctuaries, University of San Francisco, University of Victoria, University of Washington, San Francisco State University, University of Oregon, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife
Language: English
Subfield: Management, Monitoring, Policy and Law
Field: Environmental Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7160206074