Marine Protected Area Outreach and Education Small Grants Program, Round 2

Round 2 of the MPA Outreach and Education Small Grants Program built on the success of the first round of funding and distributed over $800,000 to 12 organizations throughout California. This round of funding was competitive and open for public agencies, public or private universities, non-profits, for-profit entities, federally recognized tribes, and California Native American tribes to apply. Additional private funds supported increased outreach, technical support, and capacity to be given to underrepresented communities to encourage these organizations for submit proposals.

Projects were selected that would help reach these desired outcomes:

• Increased ocean stewardship, engagement, compliance, and leadership
• Increased docent and educator capacity
• Reduced illegal take of marine life in MPAs
• Increased diversity of stakeholders engaged, including both traditional and non-traditional audiences as well as underserved audiences (i.e. recreational fishing community)