California implemented a world class system of 124 marine protected areas in 2012, created through a comprehensive stakeholder-led public process. The MPA Collaborative Network was created to ensure locals continued to have a voice in the management of their MPAs.
It is now a statewide network of diverse coastal communities committed to action oriented, grassroots stewardship of California's ocean resources. Bense-Kang talks to Leandra Lopez, Technology Manager for the Collaborative Network, about projects and research the collaboratives are now working on.