A policy-level  board consisting of five public leaders appointed by the secretary of the California Natural Resources Agency to one of the five MLPA study regions. BRTF members were appointed based on their knowledge, vision, public policy expertise, and the diversity of professional expertise.

The BRTF evaluated Marine Protected Area (MPA) proposals from their respective Regional Stakeholder Group (RSG) before presenting them to the California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG) for approval. The BRTF also provided information and recommendations for coordinating MPA management with federal agencies.