MPA Watch Program
Join us and become an MPA Watch volunteer on Catalina Island!
Learn more about MPA Watch using the link below.
We’re so excited to announce our first round of volunteer training for the new MPA Watch program in Avalon. This training will be two part - a classroom session and a field day.
Classroom Session
Meet at 4:00 PM on Thursday, April 24th at Buffalo Nickel for a 45 minute presentation on the patio.
During the classroom session we will learn about marine protected areas, the MPA Watch program, and how to collect citizen science data on how locals and tourists alike are enjoying our MPAs.
Field Day
Meet at 9:00 AM on Friday, April 25th at Cabrillo Mole to begin our 2 hour survey.
During our field day, we will walk the transect along the coast of Lover’s Cove and collect an MPA Watch survey. We will practice identifying the boats we see in the MPA, we will count swimmers, snorkelers and beach goers, and we will discuss the rules, regulations and permits by CDFW for this protected area.
Once you are a certified MPA Watch volunteer, you will be able to conduct surveys anytime you go for a walk along Pebbly Beach Road or at the dive park. This data is crucial for organizations like CDFW and the MPA Collaborative to adjust their management, messaging, education and enforcement around our Marine Protected Areas on Catalina Island.
Funding was provided through the Once-Through Cooling program of Resource Legacy Fund, on behalf of the Once-Through Cooling Interim Monitoring Program of the Ocean Protection Council.
Join us for your next ocean adventure!
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Learn about kelp forest ecosystems.
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Practice scientific diving techniques.
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Contribute to ongoing citizen science.