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: Monterey

Nearest Port: Monterey

Regulations in Effect Since: 2007

Boundaries: This area is bounded by the mean high tide line and straight lines connecting the following points in the order listed except where noted:

36° 07.20' N. lat. 121° 38.00' W. long.;
36° 07.20' N. lat. 121° 39.00' W. long.;
36° 05.20' N. lat. 121° 38.00' W. long.;
36° 05.20' N. lat. 121° 41.25' W. long.; thence southward along the three nautical mile offshore boundary to
36° 02.65' N. lat. 121° 39.70' W. long.; and
36° 02.65' N. lat. 121° 35.13' W. long.

Recreational Fishing

Allowed Species: None

Prohibited Species: All

Commercial Fishing

Allowed Species: None

Prohibited Species: All

Other Regulations: Anchoring. Except as pursuant to Federal law or emergency caused by hazardous weather, it is unlawful to anchor or moor a vessel in waters shallower than 10 fathoms in the Big Creek State Marine Reserve.

Regulation Section: Title 14, CCR, Section 632 (b) (85)