MPA Mobile Website
MarineBIOS
South Coast
California's new and improved MPA network in the south coast region (Point Conception in Santa Barbara County to the California/Mexico border) went into effect January 1, 2012. The south coast MPA network encompasses 37 new or modified MPAs, including the pre-existing 13 MPAs and two special closures located at the northern Channel Islands. A total of 354 square miles or about 15% of coastal waters in the south coast region is located in an MPA.
- South Coast Marine Protected Areas
(Effective 1/1/2012)
Includes maps and coordinates
North Central Coast
California's North-Central Coast Marine Protected Areas took effect May 1, 2010, from Alder Creek, near Point Arena (Mendocino County) to Pigeon Point (San Mateo County), the series of 22 marine protected areas (MPAs), three State Marine Recreational Management Areas, and six special closures, covers approximately 153 square miles (20.1%) of state waters in the north central coast study region.
- North Central Coast Marine Protected Areas
Includes maps and coordinates - Guide to the North-Central Coast Marine Protected Areas
File size 4.2 MB - Brochure: Marine Protected Area Information for Recreational Fishermen
Alder Creek, Mendocino County to Pigeon Point, San Mateo County- Lower resolution version
Suitable for online viewing
File size 1.0 MB - Higher resolution version
Suitable for printing
File size 1.5 MB
- Lower resolution version
Central Coast
The MLPA Initiative began with a pilot project along the central coast of California. The California Fish and Game Commission has evaluated alternative MPA proposals for the central coast and made a final decision on April 13, 2007 in Bodega Bay.
- Central Coast Marine Protected Areas
(includes maps and coordinates) - Printer-Friendly Resources: Central Coast Marine Protected Areas
- Detailed Guide with Maps (5.2 MB)
- Brochure (407 KB)
- Detailed Guide with Maps (5.2 MB)