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: Dana Point

Regulations in Effect Since: 1/1/2012

Boundaries: This area includes the waters below the mean high tide line within Upper Newport Bay northeastward of Pacific Coast Highway approximated by a line between the following two points:

33° 37.02' N. lat. 117° 54.24' W. long.;
33° 37.02' N. lat. 117° 54.32' W. long.; and southwestward of Jamboree Road approximated by a line between the following two points:
33° 39.07' N. lat. 117° 52.02' W. long.; and
33° 39.03' N. lat. 117° 52.01' W. long.

Recreational Fishing

Allowed Species: Finfish by hook-and-line from shore only.

Prohibited Species: All marine aquatic plants. All invertebrates. All finfish EXCEPT finfish taken by hook-and-line from shore.

Commercial Fishing

Allowed Species: None

Prohibited Species: All

Other Regulations: In waters below the mean high tide line inside the Upper Newport Bay Ecological Reserve, northeastward of a line connecting Shellmaker Island (33° 37.20' N. lat. 117° 53.51' W. long.) and North Star Beach (33° 37.38' N. lat. 117° 53.60' W. long.) the following restrictions apply:

• Swimming is allowed only in the area between North Star Beach and mid-channel.
• Boats are limited to speeds less than five miles per hour.
• Shoreline access is limited to established trails, paths, or other designated areas.

Regulation Section: Title 14, CCR, Section 632 (b) (132)