In cooperation with Humboldt State University, we conducted baseline monitoring of estuaries in Mendocino and Humboldt Counties. The objective of this project was to establish a baseline with which to monitor potential impacts of California's Marine Protected Areas (MPA). Furthermore, this was a great opportunity for capacity building and training in scientific monitoring techniques. We monitored Marine Protected Areas in Ten Mile, Big River, and Humboldt Bay, and a non-MPA in Mad River.