In 2012, California became the first state in the nation to establish a network of marine protected areas (MPAs) – similar to national parks and forests on land – to protect and restore ocean habitats, and increase the health, productivity and resilience of ocean ecosystems.
This resulted from 1999’s California Marine Life Protection Act (MLPA) For the implementation phase of the MLPA, California’s 1,100-mile coastline was divided into five regions. In each region, local stakeholders, scientists and policy experts worked together to decide how best to create that area’s MPAs, ultimately creating over 120 underwater refuges along California’s coast from the Oregon border to Mexico. Surfrider Foundation was an integral part of the process throughout.
California Dept. of Fish & Wildlife links:
Northern California Marine Protected Areas
Map of Northern California MPAs
North Coast Regional Stakeholder Group
North Coast MPA News:
Humboldt Teems with Recreationally Friendly MPAs
California Creates Globally Significant Network of Marine Protected Areas
An Aerial Tour of Your Marine Protected Areas and More
MARE Splashes into Ocean Night
North Coast Marine Protected Areas Adopted
Marine Protected Areas Go Live Next Week
North Coast “Underwater Parks” In Effect Today
Happy Birthday North Coast Marine Protected Areas
Marine Protected Areas One Year In
Little Fish Big WinnersCreating a Marine Reserve Snapshot
Kayaking in Humboldt Bay’s Marine Protected Area
North Coast Projects:
Marine Protected Area Monitoring Launches in North Coast
Statewide Highlights: