California Current Regional Ecosystem

Learn more about the California Current, a dynamic and diverse ecosystem in the eastern North Pacific Ocean.

Big Sur coastline

Big Sur coastline looking north to Bixby Canyon Bridge. California, Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary.

The California Current Regional Ecosystem runs from the southern-most point of California, up through Washington. This dynamic and diverse upwelling current system is highly productive, supporting an important ocean economy, including recreational and commercial fishing, tourism, and shipping. Overfishing is a threat to this region, as is climate change.