As California’s Fish and Game Commission Weighs MPA Petitions, Latino Community Sends a Clear Message
As California’s Fish and Game Commission weighs proposals to strengthen the state’s MPA network, the third National Azul Poll offers a clear message from Latino voters in California: our communities overwhelmingly support ocean protections.
Calling California’s #LatinosMarinos! Join Azul in delivering public comment at the California Fish and Game Commission meeting in support of petitions to strengthen and expand our world-renowned marine protected area (MPA) network.
Whether you live along the coast or far inland, your connection to the ocean matters – and your perspective belongs in the decisions that shape its future.
Why this moment matters for California’s MPA Network and Latino Communities
After three years of review, the California Fish and Game Commission will consider and vote on these petitions at its October 14-16 meeting. This is a critical opportunity for #LatinosMarinos and our partners to speak up for stronger protections and ensure that the voices of communities near and far from shore help shape the future of California’s ocean.
As Commissioners weigh these proposals, the third National Azul Poll offers a clear message from Latino voters in California: our communities overwhelmingly support ocean protections.
• 82% of Latino voters in California say the government should implement the strongest possible protections for ocean areas that are important for conservation purposes, even if it is costly
• 76% of Latino voters in California say the government should protect the ocean, even if it means not allowing the extraction of fish, oil, gas, or other natural resources in conserved areas
• 79% of Latino voters in California support conserving 30 percent of land and ocean waters in the United States by the year 2030
These findings are a mandate for action and offer a roadmap for conservation grounded in responsibility and public benefit. Among California Latino voters, 82% say the government has a responsibility to conserve land and ocean areas for the enjoyment of present and future generations, and 62% prioritize increasing public access to conserved areas rather than allowing more extraction.
How we got here
In November 2023, Azul joined Environment California, NRDC, EAC West Marin, EDC, Laguna Blue Belt, and other organizations in submitting petitions to strengthen and expand California’s marine protected area (MPA) network. These proposals build on the state’s Decadal Management Review, which evaluates how well the network is meeting its conservation goals and informs improvements to its management. Other petitions, however, would weaken existing ocean protections.
California’s ocean faces growing threats from marine heatwaves, climate change, pollution, habitat loss, and unsustainable extraction. You’ve joined us in taking action against all kinds of threats to the ocean – and this is another opportunity. MPAs help protect marine life and the habitats it depends on, as shown in the Decadal Management Review, which found that the MPA Network has been effective at protecting marine habitats and increasing the fish biomass.
The Commission is considering petitions that could strengthen these protections, alongside proposals that would weaken them. Together, we can urge Commissioners to protect the progress California has made and support a healthier ocean for generations to come.
For Latino communities near and far from shore, the ocean is connected to our family traditions, livelihoods, and opportunities to experience nature. Let’s make sure our voices are heard.
Join Azul
Dates: October 14–15, 2026
In person: California Natural Resources Headquarters Building, 715 P Street, Sacramento, CA
Virtually: Participate and deliver your comment via Zoom
Azul will help you prepare with background information and guidance on sharing your own connection to the ocean. We’ll also share meeting participation instructions and help you identify the relevant agenda item.
**Public comment timing depends on the Commission’s agenda, so please plan for some flexibility.**
Questions? Contact gente@azul.org.