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: Southern California (Pt. Conception southward)

County: Orange

Nearest Port: Long Beach

Regulations in Effect Since: 1/1/2012

Boundaries: This area includes the waters below the mean high tide line within the Bolsa Chica Basin estuary northeastward of the Pacific Coast Highway Bridge, approximated by a straight line between the following two points:

33° 41.02' N. lat. 118° 02.15' W. long.; and
33° 40.98' N. lat. 118° 02.11' W. long.;

and southeastward of a straight line between the following two points:

33° 42.22' N. lat. 118° 03.17' W. long.; and
33° 42.19' N. lat. 118° 03.18' W. long.

Recreational Fishing

Allowed Species: None

Prohibited Species: All

Commercial Fishing

Allowed Species: None

Prohibited Species: All

Other Regulations:

Boating, swimming, wading, and diving are prohibited within the conservation area.

No person, except state and local law enforcement officers, fire suppression agencies and employees of the department in the performance of their official duties or persons possessing written permission from the department or employees of Signal Corporation and its invitees for the purpose of carrying out oil and gas operations, shall enter this conservation area and remain therein except on established trails, paths, or other designated areas.

No entry allowed between the hours of 8:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.

Regulation Section: Title 14, CCR, Section 632 (b) (122)