Greetings Friend,

Celebrate Ocean Awareness Month & Join the Wave of Change!

This June, in honor of World Environment and Ocean Days, the Environmental Action Committee of West Marin invites you to become a member or renew your support and stand with us in protecting our precious coastal ecosystems.

The ocean is at the heart of West Marin—from the rugged coastline to the diverse wildlife it supports. But it needs our collective action more than ever to defend the Coastal Act, prevent offshore drilling, and so much more.

By becoming a member during our spring membership drive, you help us:

✅ Defend marine protected areas
✅ Advocate for healthy oceans and coastal access
✅ Educate the community on sustainable stewardship

Whether you're a longtime ocean advocate or just getting your feet wet, your support powers real, local change.

Join EAC this June and make waves for a better future.

👉 Become a Member or Donate Today

Let’s honor the ocean. Let’s protect what we love — together.

In gratitude, 

P.S. Stop by our nonprofit booth during the Western Weekend Parade this Sunday, June 8th! We’ll be at Toby’s Feed Barn Nonprofit Corral from 10 AM to 4 PM with mission merchandise like hats, tees, earrings, and more. We’re proud to be an official sponsor of this beloved community tradition and support the clean-up crew with supplies. We’d love to see you there!

Dive into Marin County's Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) with the volunteer-based Marin MPA Watch! 

This is a great opportunity for passionate individuals who want to help understand and protect our coast. By volunteering with us, you'll have a unique opportunity to explore breathtaking coastal environments while contributing to community science.

As an MPA Watch volunteer, you'll assist in gathering valuable data as you document human activities within these protected areas. Your surveys will directly contribute to the scientific understanding of how people use MPAs. The data informs management decisions that safeguard our marine ecosystems!

Our team will provide the training and guidance you need to become an empowered advocate for the ocean. By volunteering, you'll not only deepen your connection to our local marine environments but also join a community of like-minded individuals who share your passion for coastal conservation. 

California’s Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in Marin County are specially designated ocean and coastal regions where human activity is managed to protect marine life, habitats, and cultural resources. These MPAs are part of the statewide Marine Life Protection Act (MLPA) network of 124 MPAs, established to safeguard California’s ocean health. Read more about Marin's MPA's below and volunteer for the Marin MPA Watch

Key Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in Coastal Marin County Monitored by MPA Watch

Drakes & Limantour Beaches, Point Reyes State Marine Reserve

• Location: Off the southwestern shoreline of Point Reyes

• Restrictions: No take of any living, geological, or cultural marine resource

• Purpose: Protects a rich upwelling zone, vital for seabirds, marine mammals, and diverse fish populations

Drakes Estero State Marine Conservation Area

• Location: Within Drakes Estero estuary, Point Reyes National Seashore

• Restrictions: No take except recreational take of clams. *Note this MPA is pending a redesignation to become a full State Marine Reserve due to EAC's advocacy. Learn More!

• Purpose: Protects important eelgrass beds, harbor seals, and estuarine ecosystems

Estero de Limantour State Marine Reserve

• Location: Near Limantour Beach, Point Reyes National Seashore

• Restrictions: No take of any living, geological, or cultural marine resource

• Purpose: Protects estuarine and marsh habitats important for migratory birds and juvenile fish

Duxbury Reef State Marine Conservation Area

• Location: Off the coast near Bolinas

• Restrictions: No take except recreational hook and line and abalone (but abalone fishery is closed). *Note: EAC is seeking fully protected status and an expansion at this MPA. 

• Purpose: Home to one of the largest shale reefs in North America; critical intertidal habitat

MPAs Work! 

• Support marine biodiversity and fisheries sustainability.

• Provide refuge for species like sea otters, harbor seals, rockfish, and kelp forests.

• Enhance resilience to climate change.

• Offer opportunities for research, education, and recreation.

These MPAs help ensure Marin’s coastal legacy — wild, thriving, and accessible — remains intact for future generations.

MISSION

To protect and sustain the unique lands, waters, and biodiversity of West Marin. 
We achieve this goal through advocacy, science, education, and engagement.

VISION

Protected resilient ecosystems in West Marin’s coastal communities for current and future generations.