California Marine Protected Areas

Important: As of December 19, 2012 new MPA regulations are in effect for the Northern California coast from the Oregon/California border to Point Arena.

Management Area: Central California (Pigeon Pt. to Pt. Conception)

County: San Luis Obispo

Nearest Port: Morro Bay

Regulations in Effect Since: 2007

Boundaries: This area includes the area below mean high tide within Morro Bay east of the Morro Bay entrance breakwater and west of longitude 120° 50.34' W.

Recreational Fishing

Allowed Species: North of latitude 35°19.70' N: Finfish. Finfish taken outside the Morro Bay State Marine Recreational Management Area may be stored in a receiver for bait purposes.

Prohibited Species: South of latitude 35°19.70' N : All

Commercial Fishing

Allowed Species: Aquaculture of oysters and storing finfish taken outside of Morro Bay SMRMA in a receiver for bait purposes

Prohibited Species: All, except aquaculture of oysters and storing finfish taken outside of Morro Bay SMRMA in a receiver for bait purposes

Other Regulations:

The following activities are also allowed north of latitude 35°19.70' N

• Dredging for the purpose of harbor and channel operations and pursuant to required and valid permits and approvals.
• Harbor operations and maintenance and cleaning of vessel hulls and other man-made structures, including removal of living marine resources for these purposes.

Regulation Section: Title 14, CCR, Section 632 (b) (91)