Making Waves at California Ocean Day

On April 28th, 2026—officially proclaimed by Governor Newsom as California Ocean Day—hundreds of students, birders, surfers, fishermen, tribal members and community leaders came together in Sacramento to celebrate California’s coast and advocate for its future. 

This year’s Ocean Day marked the 50th Anniversary of the California Coastal Act. The success of the Coastal Act tells the remarkable story of how a grassroot movement saved the California coastline from unchecked oil and gas companies, big corporations, and privatization. While these threats still exist today, the Coastal Act established  critical protections to keep our coast healthy, resilient, and accessible for all.

Over the past 50 years the Coastal Act has helped:

• Protect 12,000 acres of open space and habitat
• Restore 4,600 acres of coastline, wetlands, bays, and shores
• Keep 1,100 miles of the California coastline accessible to the public

Audubon California staff, fellows, and members from Sea and Sage Audubon Chapter flocked to the State Capitol to share why protecting our ocean is critical for communities and for the seabirds and shorebirds whose populations have declined by 70 percent since the 1950’s and 1970’s.  Throughout the day, we reflected on how today’s advocacy efforts could shape the future of California’s coastline for the next 50 years.

Highlights from the day that made a splash:

Welcoming a Sea of Change - Reception and Press Event

Hundreds of ocean stewards gathered in the morning to hear inspiring remarks from coastal leaders, including the Kate Hecklebridge, Executive Director of the California Coastal Commission, and Susan Jordan, Executive Director of California Coastal Protection Network. Speakers reflected on the legacy of the Coastal Act and celebrated recent victories along the coast, while emphasizing the continued need for advocacy in the face of climate change and habitat loss.

Bringing the Beach to Sacramento

The Audubon team gathered in Capitol Park with partners to enjoy a “beach party” filled with networking and community building. It was a fun way for ocean advocates across the state to connect and celebrate the unique roles we all play in protecting our coast. 

The Audubon team gathered in Capitol Park with partners to enjoy a “beach party” filled with networking and community building. It was a fun way for ocean advocates across the state to connect and celebrate the unique roles we all play in protecting our coast.

“We loved having Sea and Sage Audubon join us for this event and next year, I’m excited to have more of our California chapters out to Sacramento to join us for this kind of hands-on advocacy. It was a great way to meet other conservation leaders and to talk about the importance of our coast for the birds we love!” 

—Rachel Bailey, Audubon California’s Community Building Manager

Anchored in Advocacy

Audubon staff and members met with state representatives to discuss key conservation priorities and highlight Audubon’s impact across California. The team advocated for legislation that expands coastal access funding (AB 2734) and the Outdoor for All Initiative (SB 1268), which Audubon co-sponsors. Participants saw firsthand how community voices can help shape state policy.  

“Ocean Day was my first experience lobbying and I found it very informative to work alongside and share knowledge with other coastal stewards. I had a chance to meet with representatives from the governor's office, a representative from my district, and agents from the Fish and Wildlife Service, and we talked about bills related to shoreline development, equitable environmental funding, and offshore oil drilling. Ocean Day gave me a deeper understanding of the network of passionate environmentalists working along California's coasts, and the processes we can access to drive legislative change.” 

—Kate Brewster, Community Conservation Fellow at Richardson Bay Audubon Center and Sanctuary

Hope on the Horizon

We wrapped up the day with a beautiful evening reception, where conversations shifted from legislation to memorable moments of the day—like the interesting people we met and the many groups who got lost trying to find the “Swing Space”. The reception was a reminder that Ocean Day is not only about advocacy, but also about strengthening community and finding hope alongside others that deeply care about California’s coast.

“As someone who had no prior experience in lobbying or attending campaigning events similar to this one, Ocean Day was a valuable experience. I had the opportunity to interact with someone from my District Senator's office and even briefly spoke with my Senator himself! Additionally, having the chance to attend the panels and learn about the breadth of work in the realm of water across California was incredibly informative. I'm grateful that Audubon gave me the opportunity to engage in this experience!” 

—Kris Hung, Community Conservation Fellow at Richardson Bay Audubon Center and Sanctuary

The day left us feeling inspired, energized, and hopeful. The Coastal Act shaped the California coastline to what it is today, and Ocean Day highlights how grassroots advocacy continues to shape what comes next. If you want to be part of this movement, sign up for our newsletter or email our Coasts Program Manager, Liliana Griego, to join us next year for California Ocean Day!

Read more about the exciting day at the Capitol from our partners at Surfrider Foundation and Environment California.