Ocean Access: Benefits and Barriers

Two people filling out forms near folding chairs by the ocean. one person is sitting the other is standing — Two people taking the Ocean Access Survey at Trinidad State Beach in Humboldt County, California. Photo: Sebastian Pinedo

Coasts and oceans provide countless benefits to coastal communities, including improving our health and wellbeing, providing a place for ocean activities, helping us connect with nature, and providing an uplifting place for communities to come together. Thus, it is incredibly important to ensure that all coastal communities can access coasts and oceans and the benefits that they provide. In California, access to the ocean’s benefits are supported through mandates such as the California Coastal Act (1972), the Marine Life Protection Act (1999), and the National Marine Sanctuaries Act (1972). To ensure that these benefits of oceans are realized, it is critical to recognize and address the social factors that mediate the distribution of costs and benefits.

a woman standing behind a table under a tent in a field — Jasmine (BAB Intern) and booth at Liberty Station for the Hawaiian festival in San Diego County, California.

people sit near water with a large suspension — Community members taking the Ocean Access Survey at the Embarcadero, with the Bay Bridge in the background. San Francisco County, California.

a man fishing from a pier — Community members fishing and participating in Reel Guppy’s Fishing Day at Port Hueneme, Ventura County, California.

people filling out forms in fornt of informational booths and stands — Community members taking the Ocean Access Survey at the BAB booth in Torrey Pines State Beach, San Diego County.

The California Ocean Access: Benefits and Barriers (BAB) Project is a statewide social science research initiative that explores how Californians access, use, and value the ocean. By listening to community voices across California’s - including the five California Sanctuaries - we aim to identify both the benefits and barriers to ocean access and ensure that future coastal management strategies make the benefits of the ocean available to all coastal residents.

The project is led by the California Marine Sanctuary Foundation (CMSF) in collaboration with Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary, California State University San Marcos (CSUSM), the University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC), the University of Washington (UW), Stanford University, and the Native Coast Action Network (NCAN), among others, with funding support from the California Ocean Protection Council (OPC).

a group of people standing arm-in-arm on a beach — BAB 2025 team at Goleta Beach Park, Santa Barbara County, California.

Through statewide surveys, focus groups, and community engagement, the Ocean Access Project generates insights to inform ocean policy, guide decision-makers, train the next generation of scientists, and strengthen ocean stewardship.

We invite you to get involved! Take our survey to share your voice in shaping the future of California’s coasts, and for a chance to win ocean adventures such as whale watching or kayaking.

Take Ocean Access Survey & Learn More

For more information about the Ocean Access project, please contact jennifer.selgrath@noaa.gov