PRBO Conservation Science conducted analyses to identify marine hotspots and inform Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) in the California Current System (CCS).  Hotspots occurred over the shelf of the continental U.S. and southern Canada and aligned well with current National Marine Sanctuary boundaries.  Our analysis also revealed gaps in protection, especially in broader areas around the Channel Islands beyond the existing Sanctuary and in the coastal area between Cape Mendocino (Northern California) to Hecetea Head (Southern Oregon), where there are currently no marine reserves. 

Contact: Jaime Jahncke

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PROJECT GOALS

1. Identify regions throughout the CA Current system that are key foraging areas for seabirds.
2. Indicate presence or absence of seabird hotspots in the currently established MPA's along the U.S. Pacific coast.
3. To gain a better understanding of the current management and protection status of important seabird foraging habitats along the California Current.

SELECT FOCAL SPECIES

Black-footed Albatross	Brandt's Cormorant	Brown Pelican
Cassin's Auklet	California Gull	Common Murre
Western Gull	Red-necked Phalarope	Heerman's Gull

STUDY AREA MAP