Central Coast MPA Region

	Central Coast MPA Map (1.0M JPEG file)

The central coast region was the first of the five statewide regions to establish a network of MPAs. This region protects areas of our coast like the iconic Point Lobos, winding waterways of Elkhorn Slough, the tidepools of Natural Bridges, the elephant seal rookery at Piedras Blancas and many more important marine environments! All together, 29 MPAs were designated from Pigeon Point in the north to Point Conception in the south. These MPAs represent approximately 204 square miles (18%) of state waters within the region with approximately 85 square miles (7.5%) designated as "no take" state marine reserves. These MPAs went into effect in 2007.

• First of the statewide MPA regions to be implemented
• Ranges from Pigeon Point in the north to Point Conception in the south
• Consists of 29 MPAs
• MPAs cover approximately 204 square miles or 18% of state waters
• State marine reserves cover approximately 85 square miles or 7.5% of the 204 total square miles
• Was adopted in April 2007 and went into effect in September 2007
• Includes:
• 14 SMCA
• 13 SMR
• 1 SMRMA
• 1 SMP
• Over 80% of the Central Coast waters will remain open for fishing

Click on individual MPAs below to see additional information on permitted and prohibited uses of the MPA, boundaries, and associated educational resources available for download.

MPAs in the Central Coast Region:

Año Nuevo SMCA Greyhound Rock SMCA Natural Bridges SMR Soquel Canyon SMCA Elkhorn Slough SMCA Elkhorn Slough SMR Portuguese Ledge SMCA Moro Cojo Slough SMR Edward F. Ricketts SMCA Lovers Point SMR Pacific Grove Marine Gardens SMCA Asilomar SMR Carmel Pinnacles SMR Carmel Bay SMCA	Point Lobos SMR Point Lobos SMCA Point Sur SMR Point Sur SMCA Big Creek SMR Big Creek SMCA Piedras Blancas SMR Piedras Blancas SMCA Cambria SMP White Rock (Cambria) SMCA Morro Bay SMRMA Morro Bay SMR Point Buchon SMR Point Buchon SMCA Vandenberg SMR
Educational Resources: Guide to the Central Coast Marine Protected Areas - Department of Fish and Wildlife (4M PDF file) Brochures Fact Sheets Maps Interpretive Panels Films and Videos Fun MPA Facts Training Resources
	photo copyright Carol O'Neil

Publications:

• California’s Central Coast Marine Protected Areas – Baseline Data Collection Summary Report - PISCO
• Monitoring MPAs by SCUBA in waters off Central California: 2007/8 results of PISCO baseline monitoring surveys
• Monitoring MPAs in Deep Water off Central California: 2007 IMPACT Submersible Baseline Survey