Intercept Surveys: Gaining New Insights into MPAs
January 29, 2026
By: Skye Porter
The Core MPA Watch Protocol
Marine Protected Area (MPA) Watch is a statewide network of community science programs that support healthy oceans by collecting data on how people use coastal and marine resources. Volunteers walk beaches and record both consumptive activities (e.g. recreational or commercial fishing) and non-consumptive activities (e.g. surfing, swimming, tidepooling). The long-term data is then compiled into a statewide database, helping track changes in coastal use by humans and providing important insights for California’s MPA management.
Want to learn more about MPA Watch and its partners? See our first post here.
Introducing the Intercept Survey (AKA the Beach User Survey)
In summer 2024, MPA Watch launched a new pilot program: Intercept Surveys. In addition to the core MPA Watch protocol, these intercept surveys gather information on the demographic information of beachgoers, what they’re doing at the site, how often they visit, and their existing knowledge or awareness of MPAs. Trained volunteers approach (or “intercept”) visitors in MPAs using a randomized selection protocol designed to minimize bias and ensure reliable results. These beach user surveys were designed to complement the MPA Watch core protocol, and allow volunteers to collect additional data on their “walk back” from a MPA Watch core protocol beach walk. Each interaction only takes about five minutes, but provides valuable insights into how people experience and understand California’s MPAs.
Why Intercept Surveys Matter
While still in its early pilot phase, this program is already providing new perspectives and meaningful findings. One of the most influential aspects of the Intercept Surveys is the insight they provide into beachgoers’ existing knowledge and awareness of MPAs. Questions that assess whether participants are aware of MPAs and whether they recognize when they are visiting one, helps evaluate public awareness of these conservation zones and identify gaps in understanding. Through the open-ended questions, visitors share their own experiences and perspectives on ocean conservation and management. These takeaways not only reveal what people know about MPAs, but how they feel about them, allowing for a holistic picture of public awareness and connection to these protected public spaces.
This data establishes a baseline for current patterns of usage, providing a valuable snapshot of trends during the pilot stage. While the intercept surveys are still in their early phase, over time, the information they gather can serve as a foundation for examining long-term trends in public knowledge and use of MPAs. The same is true for the core MPA watch protocol, which already supports this long-term monitoring goal. Together, these insights into visitor knowledge reveal where improvements in outreach, education, or signage are needed to better support public awareness.
Community Science in Action
MPA Watch data doesn’t just benefit researchers and managers – coastal communities also gain a better understanding of their coast. Volunteers learn how to practice scientific data collection, communication, and environmental stewardship. At the same time, visitors see MPA Watch volunteers in action, building public awareness of MPAs and creating a sense of community around coastal conservation.
Want to get involved? WILDCOAST is the statewide coordinator for the MPA Watch Network. For general information, data access, or reports, please contact the MPA Watch Statewide Coordinator (mpawatch@wildcoast.org). To get involved with a program near you, visit mpawatch.org to find your local manager!
The intercept survey pilot project is funded by Resources Legacy Fund (RLF) and the Ocean Protection Council (OPC). The intercept survey project is also possible thanks to MPA Watch’s close partnership with the Center for Community and Citizen Science at UC Davis. Additionally, the CA Department of Fish and Wildlife, along with OPC, UC Davis, and RLF, continue to provide valuable input throughout the pilot project.
Note: In San Diego, we are limited in our availability to onboard new volunteers at this time, but more opportunities will open in the future! If you’re interested, please fill out the form linked here. To get involved outside of San Diego, please email mpawatch@wildcoast.org to be connected with your local program.
