Marine protected areas, or MPAs, are underwater places designed to protect key habitats and species by prohibiting or restricting the take of marine life. California’s MPAs protect a wide variety of key habitats in the ocean and estuaries, forming a network across the state. California’s MPA Network includes sheltered estuaries and rocky intertidal areas, to lush kelp forests and submarine canyons. The three Point Arena MPAs are rich in marine resources. More than 250 species of invertebrates as well as numerous fish, seabirds and marine mammals call this area their home. MPAs here protect many species, including the habitats they depend upon, and may also help restore endangered or threatened marine life over time.
Benefits of Marine Protected Areas:
- Conserve key marine life and habitats
- Preserve natural diversity
- Help rebuild depleted populations
- Protect geologic features and cultural areas
- Support research and education
- Offer recreational and economic opportunities
MPAs off the coast of the Point Arena-Stornetta Lands
| MPA | Allowed Uses |
| Point Arena State Marine Reserve | It is unlawful to injure, damage, take, or possess any living, geological, or cultural marine resource. |
| Point Arena State Marine Conservation Area | It is unlawful to injure, damage, take, or possess any living, geological, or cultural marine resource for recreational and/or commercial purposes except: Recreational take of salmon by trolling is allowed.Commercial take of salmon with troll fishing gear is allowed. |
| Sea Lion Cove State Marine Conservation Area | It is unlawful to injure, damage, take, or possess any living, geological, or cultural marine resource for recreational and/or commercial purposes except: Recreational and commercial take of finfish is allowed. Finfish, as defined for purposes of MPA regulations, are any species of bony fish or cartilaginous fish (sharks, skates and rays). Finfish do not include amphibians, invertebrates, plants or algae. |
For more information about MPAs and fishing regulations, visit: www.wildlife.ca.gov/Conservation/Marine/MPAs
ACORN Partners in Education 