State Parks Monterey District: 831-649-2836 Point Sur 711, TTY Relay Service Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) www.parks.ca.gov Point Sur State Marine Conservation Area Point Sur State Historic Park Point Sur State Marine Reserve 831-625-4419

California Department of Marine Protected Areas Fish and Game For more information: Conserve key marine life and habitats www.dfg.ca.gov For boundaries and Preserve natural diversity regulations, go to: www.dfg.ca.gov/MLPA Help rebuild depleted populations

Protect geologic features and Help stop poaching and polluting: 1-888-DFG-CALTIP (1-888-334-2258) cultural areas This publication is available in Support research and education alternate formats by contacting Monterey Bay Sanctuary Foundation: Offer recreational and economic 831-647-4209 opportunities

Image above: coastline (Denise Bentley) below: strawberry anemone (Steve Lonhart)

Cover: southern sea otter (Nancy Nehring) Central Coast Marine Protected Areas rom rocky shores to the depths of Monterey Canyon

California Is Making a Difference Point Sur: Magnificent Coastline the sea otter was “rediscovered” in the Jutting out into the Pacific Ocean, Point 1930s. Gray whales, humpback whales by creating a statewide network of marine Sur is a unique geological feature that and even blue whales migrate past Point protected areas (MPAs). Marine protected creates a spectacular opportunity for Sur each year. marine and terrestrial wildlife to thrive. Off • Invertebrates such as abalone are slowly areas are underwater places designed this remote stretch of coastal highway, rebounding with protection. to protect key habitats and species by underwater canyons and submerged Recognized Throughout History mountain ridges shape the ocean floor. prohibiting or restricting the take of marine The Ohlone, and Salinan, lived These topographical wonders create along this stretch of coastline leading life. Just as the nation’s parks, forests and conditions for marine life to thrive. Here a nomadic, hunter-gatherer existence ocean currents bring nutrient-rich waters wilderness areas protect special places for thousands of years. Here, they took closer to shore, and fish, sea birds and advantage of the abundance of marine life on land, California’s MPAs protect unique invertebrates flourish. harvesting rich stocks of mussels, abalone areas in the ocean. The California MPA Amazing Diversity of Life and fishes. To the Europeans, Point Sur network includes the many different types • Many species of fish live in the rocky was recognized as a navigation hazard, tidepools, kelp forests, sandy bottoms as many shipwrecked captains and even of habitats found along our coast, from and deep canyons off Point Sur. pilots can attest. Off the coast of sheltered estuaries and lush kelp forests to Cabezon, vermillion rockfish and blue Point Sur SMR, is the U.S.S. Macon, a rockfish hide among the kelp, while 785-foot dirigible, which was lost offshore steep underwater canyons. mola mola may be found basking on the in 1935. The Macon was added to the surface offshore. National Register of Historic Places in Image above left: leather star (Steve Lonhart) • Marine mammals such as sea otters, sea 2010. Today the area is cherished as a last above right: harbor seal (Nancy Nehring) lions and harbor seals find shelter along remnant of wild California, where visitors the shore. It is here along Point Sur that can view wildlife along this amazing coast.

cabezon (Steve Lonhart) gray whale (Jan-Dirk Hansen) giant kelp (Jerry Loomis) kelp bass (Steve Lonhart) hermit crab (Jerry Kirkhart) brown pelican (Jerry Kirkhart) California Marine Protected Areas The California statewide MPA network State Marine Reserves: No damage or take of living marine resources, geologic or cultural resources is allowed. includes four different types that vary in their State Marine Parks: No commercial take of resources is allowed, but some recreational take may be allowed (restrictions vary). purpose and level of protection, ranging from State Marine Conservation Areas: Some recreational and/or commercial take of marine resources may be allowed (restrictions vary). limited to no take. The MPA designations are: State Marine Recreational Management Areas: Restricts the take of living marine resources while allowing for waterfowl hunting to occur (restrictions vary).

Point Sur Marine Protected Areas Big Sur coastline (Steve Lonhart)

Point Sur MPAs MPA Recreational Uses Point Sur No take except SMCA for salmon and albacore fishing. Point Sur No fishing; All SMR take is prohibited.

Regulations This document does not replace the official regulatory language found in California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Section 632, including commercial allowances and restrictions. • A fishing license is required for any fishing. • All existing take regulations still apply in addition to the ones listed above. • Unless otherwise stated, all non-consumptive recreational activities are allowed.

stubby rose anemone (Chad King)