Cooperative Enforcement

Working Together to Ensure Compliance

Compliance with regulations is essential for protecting biodiversity and habitats in the Channel Islands MPAs and providing long-term social and economic benefits. Community support is built through education, sharing
monitoring results, and effective enforcement, which in turn enhances compliance with MPA regulations.

Enforcement of rules and regulations is provided through a cooperative effort by the National Park Service, U.S. Coast Guard, California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG), and NOAA Office for Law Enforcement. Patrols are conducted using aerial surveillance, on-island rangers, and a variety of vessels. The Sanctuary contributes funding to the CDFG, serves as a liaison and coordinates multi-agency enforcement training sessions.