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Existing Marine Protected Areas in California: Regulations

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Recreational Regulations  |  Commercial Regulations  |  Definitions  |  General MPA Rules

The areas listed below are marine protected areas that currently exist in California State waters. This list includes:

This table only provides summarized information regarding restrictions to fishing and other activities in each of California's marine protected areas (MPAs). State and federal regulations and restrictions on fishing and other activities may apply. For full MPA regulations, please see the California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Section 632.

Links to Special Closure regulations are included in this table. While Special Closures are not technically MPAs, their restrictions are significantly different from surrounding areas, so they are included here for ease of identification by the public. For more information please contact your local Department office.

Recreational Regulations

Humboldt County

MPA Name SPECIES PROHIBITED For Recreational Take SPECIES ALLOWED For Recreational Take
Punta Gorda State Marine Reserve All None

Mendocino County

MPA Name SPECIES PROHIBITED For Recreational Take SPECIES ALLOWED For Recreational Take
MacKerricher State Marine Conservation Area All marine aquatic plants. Invertebrates EXCEPT red abalone, chiones, clams, cockles, rock scallops, native oysters, crabs, lobster, ghost shrimp, sea urchins, mussels, and marine worms*. Finfish. Red abalone, chiones, clams, cockles, rock scallops, native oysters, crabs, lobster, ghost shrimp, sea urchins, mussels, and marine worms*.
Point Cabrillo State Marine Conservation Area All None
Russian Gulch State Marine Conservation Area All marine aquatic plants. Invertebrates EXCEPT red abalone, chiones, clams, cockles, rock scallops, native oysters, crabs, lobster, ghost shrimp, sea urchins, mussels, and marine worms*. Finfish. Red abalone, chiones, clams, cockles, rock scallops, native oysters, crabs, lobster, ghost shrimp, sea urchins, mussels, and marine worms*.
Van Damme State Marine Conservation Area All marine aquatic plants. Invertebrates EXCEPT red abalone, chiones, clams, cockles, rock scallops, native oysters, crabs, lobster, ghost shrimp, sea urchins, mussels, and marine worms*. Finfish. Red abalone, chiones, clams, cockles, rock scallops, native oysters, crabs, lobster, ghost shrimp, sea urchins, mussels, and marine worms*.
Point Arena State Marine Reserve All None
Point Arena State Marine Conservation Area All marine aquatic plants. All invertebrates. Finfish EXCEPT salmon by trolling. Salmon by trolling
Sea Lion Cove State Marine Conservation Area All marine aquatic plants. All invertebrates. Finfish
Saunders Reef State Marine Conservation Area All marine aquatic plants. All invertebrates. Finfish EXCEPT salmon by trolling. Salmon by trolling

Sonoma County

MPA Name SPECIES PROHIBITED For Recreational Take SPECIES ALLOWED For Recreational Take
Del Mar Landing State Marine Reserve All None
Stewarts Point State Marine Reserve All None
Stewarts Point State Marine Conservation Area Sea palm. Finfish EXCEPT, from shore only, finfish by hook-and-line, finfish specified in Section 28.80 by handheld dip net, surf smelt by beach net. From shore only: Finfish by hook-and-line, finfish specified in Section 28.80 by handheld dip net, surf smelt by beach net. Invertebrates. Marine aquatic plants (except sea palm).
Salt Point State Marine Conservation Area All marine aquatic plants. Invetebrates EXCEPT red abalone. Red abalone. Finfish.
Gerstle Cove State Marine Reserve All None
Russian River State Marine Recreational Management Area All marine aquatic plants. All invertebrates. All finfish. Waterfowl
Russian River State Marine Conservation Area All marine aquatic plants. Invertebrates except Dungeness crab by trap. Finfish except surf smelt by dip-net or beach net. Dungeness crab by trap. Surf smelt by hand-held dip net or beach net.
Bodega Head State Marine Reserve All None
Bodega Head State Marine Conservation Area All marine aquatic plants. Invertebrates EXCEPT Dungeness crab by trap and market squid by handheld dip net. Finfish EXCEPT pelagic finfish by trolling. Pelagic finfish by trolling. Dungeness crab by trap. Market squid by hand-held dip net
Estero Americano State Marine Recreational Management Area All marine aquatic plants. All invertebrates. All finfish. Waterfowl

Napa County

MPA Name SPECIES PROHIBITED For Recreational Take SPECIES ALLOWED For Recreational Take
Fagan Marsh State Marine Park (estuarine) All marine aquatic plants Finfish by hook-and-line only

Marin County

MPA Name SPECIES PROHIBITED For Recreational Take SPECIES ALLOWED For Recreational Take
Estero de San Antonio State Marine Recreational Management Area All marine aquatic plants. All invertebrates. All finfish. Waterfowl
Point Reyes State Marine Reserve All None
Point Reyes State Marine Conservation Area All marine aquatic plants. Invertebrates EXCEPT Dungeness crab by trap. Finfish EXCEPT salmon by trolling. Salmon by trolling. Dungeness crab by trap.
Point Reyes Headlands Special Closure Special Closure Regulations
Estero de Limantour State Marine Reserve All None
Drake's Estero State Marine Conservation Area All marine aquatic plants. All invertebrates. All finfish. Clams
Point Resistance Rock Special Closure Special Closure Regulations
Double Point/Stormy Stack Rock Special Closure Special Closure Regulations
Duxbury Reef State Marine Conservation Area All marine aquatic plants. Invertebrates EXCEPT red abalone. Finfish EXCEPT when taken from shore. Finfish from shore only. Red abalone.
Corte Madera Marsh State Marine Park (estuarine) All marine aquatic plants Finfish by hook-and-line from shore only
Marin Islands State Marine Park (estuarine) All marine aquatic plants Finfish by hook-and-line from shore only

San Francisco County

MPA Name SPECIES PROHIBITED For Recreational Take SPECIES ALLOWED For Recreational Take
North Farallon Islands State Marine Reserve All None
North Farallon Islands Special Closure Special Closure Regulations
Southeast Farallon Island State Marine Reserve All None
Southeast Farallon Island State Marine Conservation Area All marine aquatic plants. All invertebrates. Finfish EXCEPT salmon by trolling. Salmon by trolling
Southeast Farallon Island Special Closure Special Closure Regulations

Solano County

MPA Name SPECIES PROHIBITED For Recreational Take SPECIES ALLOWED For Recreational Take
Peytonia Slough State Marine Park (estuarine) All marine aquatic plants Finfish by hook-and-line only

Alameda County

MPA Name SPECIES PROHIBITED For Recreational Take SPECIES ALLOWED For Recreational Take
Albany Mudflats State Marine Park (estuarine) All marine aquatic plants Finfish by hook-and-line from shore only
Robert W. Crown State Marine Conservation Area (estuarine) All marine aquatic plants Finfish by hook-and-line only

San Mateo County

MPA Name SPECIES PROHIBITED For Recreational Take SPECIES ALLOWED For Recreational Take
Egg (Devil's Slide) Rock to Devil's Slide Special Closure Special Closure Regulations
Montara State Marine Reserve All None
Pillar Point State Marine Conservation Area All marine aquatic plants. Invertebrates EXCEPT Dungeness crab by trap and market squid by hand-held dip net. Finfish EXCEPT pelagic finfish by trolling. Pelagic finfish by trolling. Dungness crab by trap, market squid by hand-held dip net.
Redwood Shores State Marine Park (estuarine) All marine aquatic plants Finfish by hook-and-line only.
Bair Island State Marine Park (estuarine) Kelp Finfish and marine aquatic plants EXCEPT kelp, by hook-and-line from shore only
Año Nuevo State Marine Conservation Area All None

Santa Cruz County

MPA Name SPECIES PROHIBITED For Recreational Take SPECIES ALLOWED For Recreational Take
Greyhound Rock State Marine Conservation Area Marine aquatic plants EXCEPT giant kelp by hand harvest only. Invertebrates EXCEPT squid. Finfish EXCEPT salmon and, by hook-and-line from shore only, other finfish. Salmon and, by hook-and-line from shore only, other finfish. Giant kelp by hand harvest only. Squid.
Natural Bridges State Marine Reserve All None

Monterey County

MPA Name SPECIES PROHIBITED For Recreational Take SPECIES ALLOWED For Recreational Take
Elkhorn Slough State Marine Reserve All None
Elkhorn Slough State Marine Conservation Area All marine aquatic plants. Invertebrates EXCEPT clams taken on the north shore of the slough in the area adjacent to the Moss Landing State Wildlife Area. Finfish by hook-and-line only. Clams taken on the north shore of the slough in the area adjacent to the Moss Landing State Wildlife Area.
Moro Cojo Slough State Marine Reserve All None
Soquel Canyon State Marine Conservation Area All marine aquatic plants. All invertebrates. Finfish EXCEPT pelagic finfish. Pelagic finfish
Portuguese Ledge State Marine Conservation Area All marine aquatic plants. All invertebrates. Finfish by hook-and-line only
Edward F. Ricketts State Marine Conservation Area All marine aquatic plants. All invertebrates. Finfish by hook-and-line only
Lovers Point State Marine Reserve All None
Pacific Grove Marine Gardens State Marine Conservation Area All marine aquatic plants. All invertebrates. Finfish
Asilomar State Marine Reserve All None
Carmel Pinnacles State Marine Reserve All None
Carmel Bay State Marine Conservation Area All marine aquatic plants. All invertebrates. Finfish
Point Lobos State Marine Reserve All None
Point Lobos State Marine Conservation Area All marine aquatic plants. All invertebrates. Finfish EXCEPT salmon and albacore. Salmon and albacore
Point Sur State Marine Reserve All None
Point Sur State Marine Conservation Area All marine aquatic plants. All invertebrates. Finfish EXCEPT salmon and albacore. Salmon and albacore
Big Creek State Marine Reserve All. Vessel may anchor/moor in less than 10 fm (60 ft.) of water only as permitted by federal law or due to hazardous weather. None
Big Creek State Marine Conservation Area All marine aquatic plants. All invertebrates. Finfish EXCEPT salmon and albacore. Salmon and albacore

San Luis Obispo County

MPA Name SPECIES PROHIBITED For Recreational Take SPECIES ALLOWED For Recreational Take
Piedras Blancas State Marine Reserve All None
Piedras Blancas State Marine Conservation Area All marine aquatic plants. All invertebrates. Finfish EXCEPT salmon and albacore. Salmon and albacore
White Rock (Cambria) State Marine Conservation Area All None
Cambria State Marine Conservation Area None All
Morro Bay State Marine Recreational Management Area South of latitude 35°19.70' N: All 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.
Morro Bay State Marine Reserve All None
Point Buchon State Marine Reserve All None
Point Buchon State Marine Conservation Area All marine aquatic plants. All invertebrates. Finfish EXCEPT salmon and albacore. Salmon and albacore

Santa Barbara County

MPA Name SPECIES PROHIBITED For Recreational Take SPECIES ALLOWED For Recreational Take
Vandenberg State Marine Reserve All None
Point Conception State Marine Reserve All None
Kashtayit State Marine Conservation Area Marine aquatic plants EXCEPT giant kelp. Rock scallops and mussels. Giant kelp by hand-harvest only. Invertebrates EXCEPT rock scallops and mussels. Finfish.
Naples State Marine Conservation Area All aquatic plants. All invertebrates. Finfish EXCEPT pelagic finfish including pacific bonito, and white seabass. Pelagic finfish including Pacific bonito, and white seabass by spearfishing.
Campus Point State Marine Conservation Area All None
Goleta Slough State Marine Conservation Area All None
Richardson Rock State Marine Reserve (San Miguel Island) All None
Harris Point State Marine Reserve (San Miguel Island) All (see exemption in regulation) None
Judith Rock State Marine Reserve (San Miguel Island) All None
San Miguel Island Special Closure Special Closure Regulations
Carrington Point State Marine Reserve (Santa Rosa Island) All None
Skunk Point State Marine Reserve (Santa Rosa Island) All None
South Point State Marine Reserve (Santa Rosa Island) All None
Painted Cave State Marine Conservation Area (Santa Cruz Island) All marine aquatic plants. Invertebrates EXCEPT lobster. Finfish EXCEPT pelagic finfish2. Lobster. Pelagic finfish.
Gull Island State Marine Reserve (Santa Cruz Island) All None
Scorpion State Marine Reserve (Santa Cruz Island) All None
Santa Barbara Island State Marine Reserve All None

Ventura County

MPA Name SPECIES PROHIBITED For Recreational Take SPECIES ALLOWED For Recreational Take
Anacapa Island State Marine Reserve All None
Anacapa Island State Marine Conservation Area All marine aquatic plants. Invertebrates EXCEPT lobster. Finfish EXCEPT pelagic finfish2. Lobster. Pelagic finfish.
Anacapa Island Special Closure Special Closure Regulations
Footprint State Marine Reserve (Anacapa Channel) All None
Begg Rock (San Nicholas Island Quad) State Marine Reserve All None

Los Angeles County

MPA Name SPECIES PROHIBITED For Recreational Take SPECIES ALLOWED For Recreational Take
Point Dume State Marine Reserve All None
Point Dume State Marine Conservation Area All marine aquatic plants. All invertebrates. Finfish, EXCEPT pelagic finfish including Pacific bonito and white seabass. Pelagic finfish, including Pacific bonito, and white seabass by spearfishing.
Point Vicente State Marine Conservation Area All None
Abalone Cove State Marine Conservation Area All marine aquatic plants. Invertebrates, EXCEPT market squid by hand-held dip net. Finfish, EXCEPT pelagic finfish including Pacific bonito, and white seabass by spearfishing. Market squid by hand-held dip net. Pelagic finfish, including Pacific bonito, and white seabass by spearfishing.
Arrow Point to Lion Head Point State Marine Conservation Area (Catalina Island) All invertebrates All marine aquatic plants. All finfish.
Blue Cavern State Marine Conservation Area (Catalina Island) All None
Bird Rock State Marine Conservation Area (Catalina Island) All marine aquatic plants. Invertebrates, EXCEPT market squid by hand-held dip net. Finfish, EXCEPT pelagic finfish including Pacific bonito, and white seabass. Market squid by hand-held dip net only. Pelagic finfish including Pacific bonito by hook-and-line or by spearfishing. White seabass by spearfishing.
Long Point State Marine Reserve (Catalina Island) All None
Casino Point State Marine Conservation Area (Catalina Island) All None
Lover's Cove State Marine Conservation Area (Catalina Island) All marine aquatic plants. All invertebrates. Finfish taken by hook-and-line from Cabrillo Mole.
Farnsworth Offshore State Marine Conservation Area (Catalina Island) All marine aquatic plants. Invertebrates, EXCEPT market squid. Finfish, EXCEPT pelagic finfish, Pacific bonito, white seabass, marlin, tunas and dorado. Market squid by hand-held dip net. Pelagic finfish including Pacific bonito by hook-and-line or spearfishing. White seabass by spearfishing. Marlin, tunas, and dorado (dolphinfish) by trolling.
Farnsworth Onshore State Marine Conservation Area (Catalina Island) All marine aquatic plants. Invertebrates, EXCEPT market squid. Finfish EXCEPT pelagic finfish. Pacific bonito, white seabass, marlin, tunas and dorado. Market squid by hand-held dip net only. Pelagic finfish including Pacific bonito, and white seabass by spearfishing. Marlin, tunas, and dorado (dolphinfish) by trolling.
Cat Harbor State Marine Conservation Area (Catalina Island) All marine aquatic plants. Invertebrates EXCEPT squid, lobster, and sea urchin. Squid by hook-and-line. Lobster and sea urchin. Finfish by hook-and-line or by spearfishing.

Orange County

MPA Name SPECIES PROHIBITED For Recreational Take SPECIES ALLOWED For Recreational Take
Bolsa Bay State Marine Conservation Area All aquatic marine plants. All invertebrates. Finfish by hook-and-line from shore in designated areas only.
Bolsa Chica Basin State Marine Conservation Area All None
Upper Newport Bay State Marine Conservation Area All marine aquatic plants. All invertebrates. Finfish by hook-and-line from shore only.
Crystal Cove State Marine Conservation Area All marine aquatic plants. Invertebrates, EXCEPT lobster and sea urchin. Lobster and sea urchin. Finfish by hook-and-line or by spearfishing.
Laguna Beach State Marine Reserve All None
Laguna Beach State Marine Conservation Area All None
Dana Point State Marine Conservation Area All marine aquatic plants. Invertebrates, EXCEPT lobster and sea urchin below the mean lower low tide line only. Lobster and sea urchin below the mean lower low tide line only. Finfish by hook-and-line or by spearfishing.

San Diego County

MPA Name SPECIES PROHIBITED For Recreational Take SPECIES ALLOWED For Recreational Take
Batiquitos Lagoon State Marine Conservation Area All None
Swami's State Marine Conservation Area All marine aquatic plants. All invertebrates. Finfish by hook-and-line from shore only. Pelagic finfish, including Pacific bonito, and white seabass by spearfishing only.
San Dieguito Lagoon State Marine Conservation Area All marine aquatic plants. All invertebrates. Finfish by hook-and-line from shore and the Grand Avenue bridge.
San Elijo Lagoon State Marine Conservation Area All None
San Diego-Scripps Coastal State Marine Conservation Area All marine aquatic plants. All invertebrates, including market squid. Finfish, EXCEPT coastal pelagic finfish species. Coastal pelagic species, except market squid, by hook-and-line only.
Matlahuayl State Marine Reserve All None
South La Jolla State Marine Reserve All None
South La Jolla State Marine Conservation Area All marine aquatic plants. All invertebrates. Finfish, except pelagic finfish and Pacific bonito. Pelagic finfish, including Pacific bonito, by hook-and-line only.
Famosa Slough State Marine Conservation Area All None
Cabrillo State Marine Reserve All None
Tijuana River Mouth State Marine Conservation Area All marine aquatic plants. All invertebrates, including market squid. Finfish, EXCEPT coastal pelagic finfish species. Coastal pelagic species by hand-held dip net, except market squid.

* No worms may be taken in any mussel bed unless taken incidentally to the take of mussels.

NOTE: No entry is allowed in Special Closure areas except as specified.

Commercial Regulations

Note: Some marine protected areas have overlapping boundaries and are noted below. When regulations differ between overlapping areas, the more restrictive regulations apply. In certain areas the type of gear used and locations where fishing may occur are also restricted, this table provides only a summary of the species restrictions in each area. Special Closures are included in this table. While technically they do not meet the definition of a marine protected area, their restrictions are significantly different than surrounding areas and are included for ease of identification by the public. For more information please contact your local Department office.

Humboldt County

MPA Name SPECIES PROHIBITED For Commercial Take SPECIES ALLOWED For Commercial Take
Punta Gorda State Marine Reserve All None

Mendocino County

MPA Name SPECIES PROHIBITED For Commercial Take SPECIES ALLOWED For Commercial Take
MacKerricher State Marine Conservation Area Giant kelp and bull kelp. All invertebrates EXCEPT crabs, ghost shrimp, jackknife clams, sea urchins, squid, and worms* Algae (except giant kelp and bull kelp). Crabs, ghost shrimp, jackknife clams, sea urchins, squid, and worms*. Finfish
Point Cabrillo State Marine Conservation Area All invertebrates Marine aquatic plants. Finfish.
Russian Gulch State Marine Conservation Area Giant kelp and bull kelp. All invertebrates EXCEPT crabs, ghost shrimp, jackknife clams, sea urchins, and worms*. Algae (except giant kelp and bull kelp). Crabs, ghost shrimp, jackknife clams, sea urchins, and worms*. Finfish.
Van Damme State Marine Conservation Area Giant kelp and bull kelp. All invertebrates EXCEPT crabs, ghost shrimp, jackknife clams, sea urchins, and worms*. Algae (except giant kelp and bull kelp). Crabs, ghost shrimp, jackknife clams, sea urchins, and worms*. Finfish.
Point Arena State Marine Reserve All None
Point Arena State Marine Conservation Area All marine aquatic plants. All invertebrates. All finfish EXCEPT salmon. Salmon by trolling
Sea Lion Cove State Marine Conservation Area All marine aquatic plants. All invertebrates. Finfish
Saunders Reef State Marine Conservation Area All marine aquatic plants. All invertebrates EXCEPT sea urchin. All finfish EXCEPT salmon. Salmon by trolling. Sea urchin.

Sonoma County

MPA Name SPECIES PROHIBITED For Commercial Take SPECIES ALLOWED For Commercial Take
Del Mar Landing State Marine Reserve All None
Stewarts Point State Marine Reserve All None
Stewarts Point State Marine Conservation Area All None
Salt Point State Marine Conservation Area All None
Gerstle Cove State Marine Reserve All None
Russian River State Marine Recreational Management Area All None
Russian River State Marine Conservation Area All marine aquatic plants. All invertebrates EXCEPT Dungeness crab. All finfish. Dungeness crab by trap
Bodega Head State Marine Reserve All None
Bodega Head State Marine Conservation Area Finfish, EXCEPT pelagic finfish. Invertebrates EXCEPT Dungeness crab and market squid. All marine aquatic plants. Pelagic finfish by trolling or round haul net. Dungeness crab by trap. Market squid by round haul net.
Estero Americano State Marine Recreational Management Area All None

Napa County

MPA Name SPECIES PROHIBITED For Commercial Take SPECIES ALLOWED For Commercial Take
Fagan Marsh State Marine Park (estuarine) All None

Marin County

MPA Name SPECIES PROHIBITED For Commercial Take SPECIES ALLOWED For Commercial Take
Estero de San Antonio State Marine Recreational Management Area All None
Point Reyes State Marine Reserve All None
Point Reyes State Marine Conservation Area All marine aquatic plants. Invertebrates EXCEPT Dungeness crab. All finfish EXCEPT salmon. Salmon by trolling. Dungeness crab by trap.
Point Reyes Headlands Special Closure Special Closure Regulations
Estero de Limantour State Marine Reserve All None
Drake's Estero State Marine Conservation Area All, except aquaculture of shellfish None, except aquaculture of shellfish pursuant to a valid State Water Bottom Lease and permit
Point Resistance Rock Special Closure Special Closure Regulations
Double Point/Stormy Stack Rock Special Closure Special Closure Regulations
Duxbury Reef State Marine Conservation Area All None
Corte Madera Marsh State Marine Park (estuarine) All None
Marin Islands State Marine Park (estuarine) All None

San Francisco County

MPA Name SPECIES PROHIBITED For Commercial Take SPECIES ALLOWED For Commercial Take
North Farallon Islands State Marine Reserve All None
North Farallon Islands Special Closure Special Closure Regulations
Southeast Farallon Island State Marine Reserve All None
Southeast Farallon Island State Marine Conservation Area All marine aquatic plants. All invertebrates. All finfish EXCEPT salmon. Salmon by trolling
Southeast Farallon Island Special Closure Special Closure Regulations

Solano County

MPA Name SPECIES PROHIBITED For Commercial Take SPECIES ALLOWED For Commercial Take
Peytonia Slough State Marine Park (estuarine) All None

Alameda County

MPA Name SPECIES PROHIBITED For Commercial Take SPECIES ALLOWED For Commercial Take
Albany Mudflats State Marine Park (estuarine) All None
Robert W. Crown State Marine Conservation Area (estuarine) All marine aquatic plants EXCEPT kelp. All invertebrates. Kelp. Finfish.

San Mateo County

MPA Name SPECIES PROHIBITED For Commercial Take SPECIES ALLOWED For Commercial Take
Egg (Devil's Slide) Rock to Devil's Slide Special Closure Special Closure Regulations
Montara State Marine Reserve All None
Pillar Point State Marine Conservation Area Finfish, EXCEPT pelagic finfish. Invertebrates EXCEPT Dungeness crab and market squid. All marine aquatic plants. Pelagic finfish by trolling or round haul net. Dungeness crab by trap. Market squid by round haul net.
Redwood Shores State Marine Park (estuarine) All None
Bair Island State Marine Park (estuarine) All None
Año Nuevo State Marine Conservation Area All marine aquatic plants EXCEPT giant kelp taken by hand harvest only. All invertebrates. Finfish. Giant kelp taken by hand harvest only

Santa Cruz County

MPA Name SPECIES PROHIBITED For Commercial Take SPECIES ALLOWED For Commercial Take
Greyhound Rock State Marine Conservation Area Marine aquatic plants EXCEPT giant kelp by hand harvest only. Finfish EXCEPT salmon. Invertebrates EXCEPT market squid (see conditions in regulation). Bull kelp and giant kelp by hand harvest only. Salmon. Market squid (see conditions in regulation).
Natural Bridges State Marine Reserve All None

Monterey County

MPA Name SPECIES PROHIBITED For Commercial Take SPECIES ALLOWED For Commercial Take
Elkhorn Slough State Marine Reserve All None
Elkhorn Slough State Marine Conservation Area All None
Moro Cojo Slough State Marine Reserve All None
Soquel Canyon State Marine Conservation Area All marine aquatic plants. All invertebrates. All finfish EXCEPT pelagic finfish. Pelagic finfish
Portuguese Ledge State Marine Conservation Area All marine aquatic plants. All invertebrates. All finfish EXCEPT pelagic finfish. Pelagic finfish
Edward F. Ricketts State Marine Conservation Area Marine aquatic plants except bull kelp and giant kelp (see conditions in regulation). All finfish. All invertebrates. Bull kelp and giant kelp by hand harvest only (see conditions in regulation).
Lovers Point State Marine Reserve All None
Pacific Grove Marine Gardens State Marine Conservation Area Marine aquatic plants except bull kelp and giant kelp (see conditions in regulation). All finfish. All invertebrates. Bull kelp and giant kelp by hand harvest only (see conditions in regulation).
Asilomar State Marine Reserve All None
Carmel Pinnacles State Marine Reserve All None
Carmel Bay State Marine Conservation Area Marine aquatic plants except bull kelp and giant kelp (see conditions in regulation). All finfish. All invertebrates. Bull kelp and giant kelp by hand harvest only (see conditions in regulation).
Point Lobos State Marine Reserve All None
Point Lobos State Marine Conservation Area All marine aquatic plants. All invertebrates EXCEPT spot prawn. All finfish EXCEPT salmon and albacore. Spot prawn, salmon, albacore
Point Sur State Marine Reserve All None
Point Sur State Marine Conservation Area All marine aquatic plants. All invertebrates. All finfish EXCEPT salmon and albacore. Salmon and albacore
Big Creek State Marine Reserve All None
Big Creek State Marine Conservation Area All marine aquatic plants. All invertebrates EXCEPT spot prawn. All finfish EXCEPT salmon and albacore. Spot prawn, salmon, albacore

San Luis Obispo County

MPA Name SPECIES PROHIBITED For Commercial Take SPECIES ALLOWED For Commercial Take
Piedras Blancas State Marine Reserve All None
Piedras Blancas State Marine Conservation Area All marine aquatic plants. All invertebrates. All finfish EXCEPT salmon and albacore. Salmon and albacore
White Rock (Cambria) State Marine Conservation Area All, except bull kelp and giant kelp (see conditions in regulation) Bull kelp and giant kelp (see conditions in regulation)
Cambria State Marine Conservation Area All None
Morro Bay State Marine Recreational Management Area All, except aquaculture of oysters and storing finfish taken outside of Morro Bay SMRMA in a receiver for bait purposes (see conditions in regulation) Aquaculture of oysters and storing finfish taken outside of Morro Bay SMRMA in a receiver for bait purposes (see conditions in regulation)
Morro Bay State Marine Reserve All None
Point Buchon State Marine Reserve All None
Point Buchon State Marine Conservation Area All marine aquatic plants. All invertebrates. All finfish EXCEPT salmon and albacore Salmon and albacore

Santa Barbara County

MPA Name SPECIES PROHIBITED For Commercial Take SPECIES ALLOWED For Commercial Take
Vandenberg State Marine Reserve All None
Point Conception State Marine Reserve All None
Kashtayit State Marine Conservation Area All None
Naples State Marine Conservation Area All aquatic plants EXCEPT giant kelp. All invertebrates. All finfish. Giant kelp by hand harvest, or mechanical harvest if duplicate landing records are kept aboard the vessel in accordance with the requirements of Section 165.
Campus Point State Marine Conservation Area All None
Goleta Slough State Marine Conservation Area All None
Richardson Rock State Marine Reserve (San Miguel Island) All None
Harris Point State Marine Reserve (San Miguel Island) All (see condition in regulation) None
Judith Rock State Marine Reserve (San Miguel Island) All None
San Miguel Island Special Closure Special Closure Regulations
Carrington Point State Marine Reserve (Santa Rosa Island) All None
Skunk Point State Marine Reserve (Santa Rosa Island) All None
South Point State Marine Reserve (Santa Rosa Island) All None
Painted Cave State Marine Conservation Area (Santa Cruz Island) All None
Gull Island State Marine Reserve (Santa Cruz Island) All None
Scorpion State Marine Reserve (Santa Cruz Island) All None
Santa Barbara Island State Marine Reserve All None

Ventura County

MPA Name SPECIES PROHIBITED For Commercial Take SPECIES ALLOWED For Commercial Take
Anacapa Island State Marine Reserve All None
Anacapa Island State Marine Conservation Area All marine aquatic plants. Invertebrates EXCEPT spiny lobster. All finfish. Spiny lobster
Anacapa Island Special Closure Special Closure Regulations
Footprint State Marine Reserve (Anacapa Channel) All None
Begg Rock (San Nicholas Island Quad) State Marine Reserve All None

Los Angeles County

MPA Name SPECIES PROHIBITED For Commercial Take SPECIES ALLOWED For Commercial Take
Point Dume State Marine Reserve All None
Point Dume State Marine Conservation Area All marine aquatic plants. All invertebrates EXCEPT market squid. All finfish EXCEPT coastal pelagic finfish species and swordfish. Coastal pelagic species by round haul net, and swordfish by harpoon.
Point Vicente State Marine Conservation Area All None
Abalone Cove State Marine Conservation Area All marine aquatic plants. All invertebrates EXCEPT market squid. All finfish EXCEPT coastal pelagic finfish species, Pacific bonito and swordfish. Coastal pelagic species and Pacific bonito by round haul net, and swordfish by harpoon.
Arrow Point to Lion Head Point State Marine Conservation Area (Catalina Island) All None
Blue Cavern State Marine Conservation Area (Catalina Island) All None
Bird Rock State Marine Conservation Area (Catalina Island) All marine aquatic plants. All invertebrates. All finfish EXCEPT pelagic finfish and swordfish. Pelagic finfish by hook-and-line, and swordfish by harpoon.
Long Point State Marine Reserve (Catalina Island) All None
Casino Point State Marine Conservation Area (Catalina Island) All None
Lover's Cove State Marine Conservation Area (Catalina Island) All None
Farnsworth Offshore State Marine Conservation Area (Catalina Island) All marine aquatic plants. All invertebrates EXCEPT market squid. All finfish EXCEPT coastal pelagic finfish species and swordfish. Coastal pelagic species by round haul net. Swordfish by harpoon.
Farnsworth Onshore State Marine Conservation Area (Catalina Island) All marine aquatic plants. All invertebrates EXCEPT market squid. All finfish EXCEPT coastal pelagic finfish species and swordfish. Coastal pelagic species by round haul net. Swordfish by harpoon.
Cat Harbor State Marine Conservation Area (Catalina Island) All marine aquatic plants. Invertebrates EXCEPT sea cucumber, spiny lobster, and sea urchin. All finfish, except finfish associated with permitted aquaculture facilities. Sea cucumber by diving only. Spiny lobster and sea urchin. Finfish aquaculture pursuant to required state permits.

Orange County

MPA Name SPECIES PROHIBITED For Commercial Take SPECIES ALLOWED For Commercial Take
Bolsa Bay State Marine Conservation Area All None
Bolsa Chica Basin State Marine Conservation Area All None
Upper Newport Bay State Marine Conservation Area All None
Crystal Cove State Marine Conservation Area All marine aquatic plants. All invertebrates EXCEPT sea urchin, market squid and spiny lobster. All finfish EXCEPT coastal pelagic finfish species. Sea urchin. Spiny lobster by trap. Coastal pelagic species by round haul net.
Laguna Beach State Marine Reserve All None
Laguna Beach State Marine Conservation Area All None
Dana Point State Marine Conservation Area All marine aquatic plants. All invertebrates EXCEPT sea urchin, market squid and spiny lobster. All finfish EXCEPT coastal pelagic finfish species. Spiny lobster and sea urchin. Coastal pelagic species by round haul net.

San Diego County

MPA Name SPECIES PROHIBITED For Commercial Take SPECIES ALLOWED For Commercial Take
Batiquitos Lagoon State Marine Conservation Area All None
Swami's State Marine Conservation Area All None
San Dieguito Lagoon State Marine Conservation Area All None
San Elijo Lagoon State Marine Conservation Area All None
San Diego-Scripps Coastal State Marine Conservation Area All None
Matlahuayl State Marine Reserve All None
South La Jolla State Marine Reserve All None
South La Jolla State Marine Conservation Area All None
Famosa Slough State Marine Conservation Area All None
Cabrillo State Marine Reserve All None
Tijuana River Mouth State Marine Conservation Area All marine aquatic plants. All invertebrates. All finfish EXCEPT coastal pelagic finfish species. Coastal pelagic species, except market squid, by round haul net.

* No worms may be taken in any mussel bed, nor may any person pick up, remove, detach from the substrate any other organisms, or break up, move or destroy any rocks or other substrate or surfaces to which organisms are attached.

Take, Finfish, Pelagic Finfish, and Coastal Pelagic Species Defined

Take means pursue, catch, capture, or kill, or attempt to pursue, catch, capture, or kill.

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.

Pelagic finfish, as defined for purposes of MPA regulations, are a subset of finfish defined as: northern anchovy (Engraulis mordax), barracudas (Sphyraena spp.), billfishes* (family Istiophoridae), dolphinfish (Coryphaena hippurus), Pacific herring (Clupea pallasi), jack mackerel (Trachurus symmetricus), Pacific mackerel (Scomber japonicus), salmon (Oncorhynchus spp.), Pacific sardine (Sardinops sagax), blue shark (Prionace glauca), salmon shark (Lamna ditropis), shortfin mako shark (Isurus oxyrinchus), thresher sharks (Alopias spp.), swordfish (Xiphias gladius), tunas (family Scombridae), and yellowtail (Seriola lalandi). *Marlin is not allowed for commercial take.

Coastal pelagic species, as defined for purposes of MPA regulations, include the following: northern anchovy (Engraulis mordax), Pacific sardine (Sardinops sagax), Pacific mackerel (Scomber japonicus), jack mackerel (Trachurus symmetricus) and market squid (Loligo opalescens).

General Rules that Apply to All MPAs

Marine protected areas are subject to the following general rules and regulations in addition to existing Fish and Game Code statutes and regulations of the Commission, unless otherwise specified in individual MPA regulations.

Access

Access into marine protected areas or marine managed areas for non-consumptive uses including but not limited to swimming, surfing, diving, boating, hiking and walking is allowed unless otherwise specified in individual MPA regulations.

Introduction of Species

Unless authorized by the commission or as a result of authorized fishing activities, the release of any fish or wildlife species, including domestic or domesticated species, or the introduction of any plant species, is prohibited. The department may reintroduce endemic species to marine protected areas or marine managed areas for management purposes.

Feeding of Fish and Wildlife

The feeding of fish and wildlife is prohibited except permitted scientific collection pursuant to Section 650 or as a result of authorized fishing within state marine conservation areas, state marine parks, and state marine recreational management areas, or unless feeding of fish is specifically authorized in subsection 632(b) for purposes of marine life viewing.

Anchoring

Vessels shall be allowed to anchor in any marine protected area or marine managed area with catch onboard unless otherwise specified in individual MPA regulations, areas and special regulations for use. Fishing gear shall not be deployed in the water while anchored in a state marine reserve. Fishing gear, except legal fishing gear used to take species identified as allowed for take in subsection 632(b), shall not be deployed in the water while anchored in a state marine recreational management area, state marine park or state marine conservation area. Anchoring regulations shall be consistent with federal law and allowances made for anchoring required by emergency or severe weather.

Transit or Drifting

Vessels shall be allowed to transit through marine protected areas and marine managed areas with catch onboard. Fishing gear shall not be deployed in the water while transiting through a state marine reserve. Fishing gear, except legal fishing gear used to take species identified as allowed for take in subsection 632(b), shall not be deployed in the water while transiting through a state marine recreational management area, state marine park or state marine conservation area.

Water Quality Monitoring

Sampling of water, sediment and marine life, for water quality monitoring or pollution research, or as required in a Monitoring and Reporting Program of a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Permit and Waste Discharge Requirements issued by the State or Regional Water Boards pursuant to the United States Clean Water Act and the California Water Code, is allowed within state marine reserves, state marine conservation areas, state marine parks, and state marine recreational management areas pursuant to a valid scientific collecting permit issued by the department.

Public Safety

Public safety activities, including installation, maintenance and/or seasonal placement and removal of safety-related artificial structures, including but not limited to lifeguard towers, are allowed within any MPA classification pursuant to any required federal, state and local permits, or as otherwise authorized by the department.