April 13, 2026 marked the 50th anniversary of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, or MSA. Meredith Moore, Senior Director of the Fish Conservation Program at Ocean Conservancy, discusses the successes and limitations of the MSA, emphasizing the need for improved rebuilding plans and a stronger commitment to fisheries management. The conversation covers a range of challenges and opportunities in fisheries management, including the need for improved monitoring, the impact of underfunding and understaffing, the importance of integrating Indigenous knowledge, the slow pace of technology adoption, and the implications of climate change. It also addresses governance issues, habitat loss, prey species management, and the role of recreational fishing. The conversation emphasizes the need for political will, diverse representation, and public engagement in addressing these issues.

Learn more:

Ocean Conservancy’s report, Drifting Off Course: Challenges in U.S. Fisheries Management and Charting the Path Forward

Fish ON AIR MSA 101 episode

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MSA 101: Corey Ridings introduces us to the Magnuson Stevens Act, the primary law for managing fisheries in the United States. We discuss its history, purpose, and impact through the lens of Corey's role on the Pacific Fishery Management Council. The conversation delves into the complexities of fishery management, covering topics such as navigating fishery advisory bodies, the concept of Maximum Sustainable Yield (MSY), and community involvement in fishery decision making.

Learn more:

Magnuson Stevens Act

Pacific Fishery Management Council

Council Roster

What went into creating California's Network of Marine Protected Areas and what was it like to be a part of the process? Ray Hiemstra takes us through his experience from creation til now---the science, challenges and bargaining that formed our MPAs as we know them, on to this adaptive management process he's waited over 10 years for. This conversation sheds light on the stakeholder process that established the MPAs on the South Coast and lays out a current proposal to expand one of those MPAs off of Laguna Beach.

Learn more:

Orange County Coastkeeper

Support Laguna Beach SMCA expansion

Contact Orange County Public Works

There are many claims about what the science says about California's MPA Network. Dr. Kerry Nickols takes us through what we've learned from the first decade of this world-renowned Marine Protected Area Network, what we don't know, and how we should go forward. The conversation explores the role of MPAs in the context of climate change, the effectiveness of MPAs and the need for data to help decision-making. It also highlights the challenges and opportunities for enhancing the MPA network in California.

Kerry's co-authored report on the California MPA Network
Meet Gordita, Heal the Bay's resident giant black sea bass

Pt. Sal is a beloved wild space for local community members and visitors alike, many of whom hike the 11-mile round-trip trail to the point and its beaches to gaze upon panoramic vistas, experience land and sea in its natural state, and fish from its undeveloped shores. The Point Sal State Marine Conservation Area (SMCA) proposal is co-sponsored by the Northern Chumash Tribal Council, and seeks to enhance Tribal co-stewardship of our coastal waters. Veronica Mendoza helps us understand the significance and opportunity of protecting, and respecting, this special place.

Support Pt. Sal SMCA

Sign-up for MPA meetings on May 5th and 6th

About the Northern Chumash Tribal Council

Changes to Duxbury Reef State Marine Conservation Area: There's a proposal to expand and strengthen the Marine Protected Area at Duxbury Reef in California. As with most conservation issues, the policy process gets complicated and confusing, making it difficult to understand what's actually being proposed and what the opportunities may be. Ashley Eagle-Gibbs helps us understand what's being proposed and what potential compromises can help protect this unique habitat and all the ways people like to enjoy the area.

More information on the proposal: https://www.eacmarin.org/

Sea Sketch Mapping Tool: https://www.seasketch.org/california/app

Sign-up to join the MPA meetings with Fish On: https://forms.gle/fgz2ipsSyRkbsBzi6

MPA 101: Dr. Douglas McCauley, fisherman and renowned marine scientist, shares insights on marine protected areas (MPAs), their ecological importance, design principles, and the future of ocean conservation in California. Discover how MPAs can help sustain fisheries, protect habitats, and adapt to climate change impacts.

Welcome to the first episode of Fish ON AIR. Fish On's founder, Anupa Asokan shares her journey of working in ocean conservation and what led her to create a new space for fishers to get informed, get involved and fight for the fish so we can all Fish On.

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Check out the How to Protect the Ocean podcast here.