Marine Protected Areas

Marine protected areas (MPAs) are areas seaward of the high tide line that have been designated by law, administrative action, or voter initiative to protect or conserve marine life and habitat (CA Department of Fish and Game, 2012).

Locations throughout Orange County began protecting their local seashores through city regulations in the 1990’s, but in 1999 the Marine Life Protection Act (MLPA) began the process of designing and establishing the Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) of California. After the initial implementation, a reassessment occurred within the California Department of Fish and Wildlife that created specific latitude and longitudinal boundaries, combined smaller MPAs into larger or different locations, and as of January 1, 2012, established our current network of MPAs.

What’s the importance of MPAs?

MPAs protect the diversity and abundance of marine life, the habitats they depend on, and the integrity of marine ecosystems. The Marine Life Protection Act recognizes that a combination of MPAs with varied amounts of allowed activities and protections (marine reserves, marine conservation areas, and marine parks) can help conserve biological diversity, provide a sanctuary for marine life, and enhance recreational and educational opportunities. MPAs can also provide scientific reference points to assist with resource management decisions, and protect a variety of marine habitats, communities, and ecosystems for their economic and intrinsic value, for generations to come.

All sites covered by the Laguna Ocean Foundation are located within the State Marine Reserve which means it is unlawful to injure, damage, take, or possess any living, geological, or cultural marine resource. The only exception is if the individual(s) possess a special permit.

Since 2012, there have been 124 Marine Protected Areas with differing regulations throughout the California coastline and islands, and these equate to 16% of California’s waters being protected at some level.

Quick Facts:
Laguna Beach Marine Protected Areas

• MPA Size: 9.81 Square Miles

• Shoreline Span: 5.6 Miles

• Depth Range: 0 to 1,408 feet

• Habitat Composition: Sand/mud: 9.28 Square Miles

• Habitat Composition: Rock: .99 Square Miles

Types of Marine Protected Areas

State Marine Recreational Management Area

In a state marine recreational management area, it is unlawful to perform any activity that would compromise the recreational values for which the area may be designated. Recreational opportunities may be protected, enhanced, or restricted, while preserving basic resource values of the area. No other use is restricted unless specified in subsection 632(b), areas and special regulations for use. (CCR T14, Section 632 (a)(1)(D))

State Marine Park

In a state marine park, it is unlawful to injure, damage, take, or possess any living or nonliving marine resource for commercial purposes. Any human use that would compromise protection of the species of interest, natural community or habitat, or geological, cultural, or recreational features, may be restricted by the commission as specified in subsection 632(b), areas and special regulations for use. The department may issue scientific collecting permits pursuant to Section 650. The commission may authorize research, monitoring, and educational activities and certain recreational harvest in a manner consistent with protecting resource values. (CCR T14, Section 632 (a)(1)(B))

State Marine Conservation Area

In a state marine conservation area, it is unlawful to injure, damage, take, or possess any living, geological, or cultural marine resource for commercial or recreational purposes, or a combination of commercial and recreational purposes except as specified in subsection 632(b), areas and special regulations for use. The department may issue scientific collecting permits pursuant to Section 650. The commission may authorize research, education, and recreational activities, and certain commercial and recreational harvest of marine resources, provided that these uses do not compromise protection of the species of interest, natural community, habitat, or geological features. (CCR T14, Section 632 (a)(1)(C))

State Marine Reserve

In a state marine reserve, it is unlawful to injure, damage, take, or possess any living, geological, or cultural marine resource, except under a scientific collecting permit issued by the department pursuant to Section 650 or specific authorization from the commission for research, restoration, or monitoring purposes. (CCR T14, Section 632 (a)(1)(A))

Special Closure

A special closure is an area designated by the Fish and Game Commission that prohibits access or restricts boating activities in waters adjacent to sea bird rookeries or marine mammal haul-out sites.