Evaluating the Effectiveness of Marine
Protected Area (MPA) Signage in California (2023)

This report, funded by the Ocean Protection Council (OPC), highlights findings and recommendations from research conducted by the California Marine Sanctuary Foundation (CMSF) during the summer of 2022 that assessed the efficacy of MPA signage in increasing awareness of MPAs and encouraging compliance with MPA regulations among coastal visitors. 

This report contains a cadre of recommendations that will be taken into consideration to improve signage impact into the future. By considering goals for each sign from the start, acknowledging unique site- and audience-specific needs, and incorporating suggestions for sign installation, California MPA signage will become more impactful.

For any questions, please contact Katelyn@CaliforniaMSF.org

For information about the California Marine Sanctuary Foundation's Marine Protected Area Program, please visit CaliforniaMPAs.org