Policy & ocean protection
Driving change at local, state, national, and global levels to protect our ocean.
Overview
Monterey Bay Aquarium works to shape policies that protect our ocean, marine life, and coastal communities. Our team engages in local initiatives, state legislation, national campaigns, and global negotiations to reduce plastic pollution, prevent offshore drilling, and support sustainable seafood and energy practices.
Program highlights
- 2 million Aquarium visitors per year reached with conservation stories and solutions, including lessons about plastic pollution and effects of global warming.
- 8 international partnerships in Vietnam, India, Bangladesh, the Philippines, Indonesia, Chile, Peru, and Tunisia to promote sustainable seafood production.
- Research contributions to the protection of Southern sea otters, bluefin tuna and sharks, including the development of regulations to protect and restore threatened species.
- Development of local and global plastic waste reduction policy including, SB 54—California’s landmark Plastic Pollution Prevention and Packaging Producer Responsibility Act—and the Global Plastic Treaty.
Our goals and approach
Our goals
- Influence policies that reduce threats to the ocean and coastlines.
- Promote sustainable seafood and fisheries management.
- Reduce plastic pollution through legislation and advocacy.
- Support equitable and effective environmental policies.
California Senator Adam Schiff visiting the Aquarium with Julie Packard, Margaret Spring, and Eleanore Humphries
How we work
- We work locally with community organizations and city and county officials to address clean energy, plastics reduction, and sustainable development.
- Our team advocates for legislation in Sacramento to reduce single-use plastics, support sustainable fisheries, and climate mitigation.
- On the federal level, we partner with coalitions to prevent offshore drilling, support ocean-friendly policies, and shape national regulations.
- Globally, we contribute to international agreements like the Global Plastics Treaty, providing scientific and policy expertise.
- At the grass roots level, we encourage community engagement, informing and empowering the public, members, and staff to take policy action.
Why it matters
Policy shapes the systems that protect the ocean at scale. By influencing legislation and regulations, we reduce plastic and chemical pollution, protect critical habitats and marine life, advance renewable energy and climate resilience, and empower communities to participate in ocean conservation. We have a long history of success, including these policy wins:
2011
With a coalition that included Asian-American and Pacific Island leaders, we helped enact a ban on the trade of shark fins in California
2012
We helped California create the nation’s first and only statewide network of marine protected areas
2016
We campaigned for a successful ballot measure that upheld California as the first state to ban single-use plastic carryout bags
2022
We helped develop and enact California Senate Bill 54, which set the first-ever mandate to reduce single-use plastic
2024
We supported California Proposition 4, the climate bond, which provides billions in funding for climate resilience, water, and coastal conservation
2025
We led a global science team to pinpoint needs for a global plastics treaty including the launch of annual global reporting on plastic pollution
Stories from the field
Story
From Vietnam to California
From farms to CA schools, your food choices help wildlife, fishers, and global coastal food systems thrive.
Read story – From Vietnam to California
Story
Putting the "sea" in policy
Aquarium staff set sail to learn about research in the proposed Chumash Heritage sanctuary.
Read story – Putting the "sea" in policy
Story
Careers in ocean policy: Meet a federal ocean policy leader
Explore a career in federal ocean policy and how it shapes science-based solutions for our oceans.
Read story – Careers in ocean policy: Meet a federal ocean policy leaderBe a voice for the ocean
Sign up for our quarterly ocean action emails and get inspiring conservation stories, tips on living a sustainable lifestyle, and opportunities to take action to protect the ocean—delivered to your inbox.
Explore our other global programs
Change & impact
Reducing plastic pollution
From local action to global policy, see how we’re cutting plastic at the source.
Read more – Reducing plastic pollution
Change & impact
Seafood Watch
Seafood Watch helps consumers and businesses make choices for a healthy ocean
Read more – Seafood Watch
Change & impact
Global ocean conservation programs
We work across the globe to improve sustainability, protect human rights, and strengthen coastal communities.
Read more – Global ocean conservation programs