In addition, the MPA Federal Advisory Committee completed a report on options for external financing for U.S. MPA programs. Recognizing the need that MPA programs have for additional resources beyond those provided by their home institutions, the MPA FAC conducted a review of potential options of external financing sources and mechanisms for accessing external funds. The MPA FAC also made recommendations regarding future steps NOAA and DOI can take to enhance the use of external funding to support the mission of all MPA programs. Many MPA programs currently use some external funding sources, but they are generally under-utilized, and programs often face administrative barriers to accessing external funds. A webinar on the external financing recommendations will be held on February 9. 

Eleven new members have been appointed to the MPA Federal Advisory Committee by former NOAA Administrator Kathryn Sullivan. The Committee is made up of 20 non-governmental experts who represent a wide range of ocean interests, including fishing, tourism, conservation, state and tribal resource management, ocean energy and natural and social science. Members serve a 4-year term and advise both the Departments of Commerce (NOAA) and the Department of the Interior on issues related to marine protected areas. Committee meetings are open to the public, and provide opportunities for public comment. For a list of appointed members, click here.  

California is home to the largest scientifically designed network of marine protected areas (MPAs) in the United States, resulting from the passage of the Marine Life Protection Act (MLPA) by the State's Legislature. The MLPA required the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) to develop, and the California Fish and Game Commission (Commission) to adopt, a Master Plan to improve the design and management of California's MPAs as a statewide network. The Master Plan for MPAs, adopted by the Commission in August 2016, focuses on the shift from MPA design and planning to managing California's redesigned MPA network to meet the goals of the MLPA. To create the Master Plan for MPAs, CDFW worked in close collaboration with the Commission, California Ocean Protection Council, and California Ocean Science Trust. The Master Plan for MPAs also reflects input received from other state and federal agencies, California Tribes and Tribal governments, many other organizations and the general public.  

The National Estuarine Research Reserve System has developed a new approach to evaluate and compare the ability of tidal marshes to survive rising seas. Using data from its System-Wide Monitoring Program, the reserves successfully applied this approach at 16 sites, creating the first-ever national comparison of marsh resilience to sea level rise. While marshes in every region revealed moderate resilience to sea level rise, all exhibited at least some indication of vulnerability. The assessment used five indicators that defined the most resilient marshes as those with 1) a high marsh plain; 2) a marsh plain that is rising faster than sea level; 3) lots of sediment to help the marsh rise; 4) broad tidal range providing a buffer against the effects of sea level rise; and 5) a relatively low rate of past sea level rise. Virtually every marsh had at least one low score for one category of resilience, even though most marshes had moderate overall scores. Marshes assessed along the Pacific Coast appeared more likely to survive sea level rise than those along the Atlantic Coast. Most marshes scored high in some categories and low in others, highlighting the importance of integrating different measures to understand resilience. For example, some sites with relatively high marsh elevation -- generally considered to be a positive indicator of adaptation to sea level rise -- are sinking. These marshes were characterized as moderately resilient. 

	Clouds and sunset in the California Coastal National Monument Photo: Bob Wick, BLM

On Jan. 12, 2017, President Obama announced the boundary enlargement of the California Coastal National Monument with the addition of six new units that are tied to the values of the Monument to preserve important habitat for coastal plants and animals, and protect cultural sites that provide insight into the people who lived along the California coast thousands of years ago. The Monument connects the Pacific Ocean with the land and began initially in the year 2000 with a donation of 1,711 acres and was expanded again in 2004. With the new expansion it totals approximately 6,230 acres. The new units include Trinidad Head, Waluplh-Lighthouse Ranch, Lost Coast Headlands, Cotoni-Coast Dairies, Piedras Blancas, and Orange County Rocks and Islands. The expanded Monument will continue to be managed by the Bureau of Land Management. 

	A mapping watchstander and marine ecologist viewing canyon data using Fledermaus software in the NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer control room Photo: NOAA OER

The Okeanos Explorer-in-Training (EiT) program is open for 2017 applicants. The program has several at-sea opportunities to sail aboard the NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer as mapping watchstanders, and to actively participate in cruises from shore at the University of New Hampshire's Center for Coastal and Ocean Mapping. This marks the third year of the Campaign to Address Pacific monument Science Technology and Ocean Needs (CAPSTONE), focused on deepwater areas of U.S. marine protected areas in the central and western Pacific. NOAA conducts telepresence-enabled mapping and remotely operated vehicle (ROV) operations in poorly known ocean areas with Okeanos Explorer to support deepwater habitat characterization and spur follow-on efforts. For participation in a program from June to Sept. 2017, applications are due Feb. 17th. You can find more information here. For questions contact:

[email protected] or [email protected]