Do you like science AND long walks on the beach? Then join Heal the Bay’s community science program, MPA Watch! Volunteers will be trained on how to collect data while walking along the most beautiful beaches of Malibu and Palos Verdes.

Monitoring done by MPA Watchers helps encourage enforcement and regulation around marine protected areas (MPAs), also known as “underwater Yosemites.”

Become a volunteer by attending the two-part training program, which includes one virtual classroom training and one field training session. All training materials will be provided.

**PLEASE NOTE: Attending both the field training AND viewing the virtual training recording is required to become an MPA Watch certified volunteer, as well as attendance to Heal the Bay’s New Volunteer Orientation. You may attend a New Volunteer Orientation before or after attending our MPA Watch training.

Saturday 9/6/2025 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Location will be disclosed at virtual training

REGISTER

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Please complete the following prerequisites:

• Heal the Bay Volunteer Orientation
• Heal the Bay MPA Watch Classroom Training Video 
• Heal the Bay MPA Basic Info Quiz
• MPA Watch Virtual Classroom Training Recording
  • Passcode: 02%pJ9cg
  • Please sign in when viewing to receive credit for this prerequisite!

Classroom training must be completed
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FAQs

Are there any prerequisites to become an MPA Watch Volunteer?

Heal the Bay’s New Volunteer Orientation must be attended and completed either before or after attending the MPA Watch training. The orientation occurs bimonthly and can be fulfilled by watching a recording of the most recent orientation. You must also watch the prerequisite videos and quizzes, as well as submit the necessary onboarding paperwork.

Are there any minimum age requirements to enter the event?

The minimum age is age 14. Volunteers under 17 must be accompanied by an adult to the training.

Please contact Zoë Collins and the MPA Watch Team at mpawatch@healthebay.org with any questions.