Big Flat SMCA

GPS Boundary:

This area is bounded by the mean high tide line and straight lines connecting the following points in the order listed except where noted:

40° 09.400′ N. lat. 124° 12.671′ W. long.;
40° 09.400′ N. lat. 124° 19.366′ W. long.;

thence southward along the three nautical mile offshore boundary to

40° 07.500′ N. lat. 124° 16.203′ W. long.; and
40° 07.500′ N. lat. 124° 10.313′ W. long.

Permitted/Prohibited Uses: *

  • Recreational Fishing:
    • Allowed Species: Salmon by trolling; and Dungeness crab by trap, hoop net or hand
    • Prohibited Species: All other living marine resources EXCEPT those listed above.
  • Commercial Fishing:
    • Allowed Species: Salmon with troll fishing gear; and Dungeness crab by trap
    • Prohibited Species: All other living marine resources EXCEPT those listed above.

* The following federally recognized tribes (listed alphabetically) are exempt from the area and take regulations for Big Flat State Marine Conservation Area (subsection 632(b)(15)) and shall comply with all other existing regulations and statutes:

  • Bear River Band of the Rohnerville Rancheria
  • Big Valley Band of Pomo Indians of the Big Valley Rancheria
  • Cahto Indian Tribe of the Laytonville Rancheria
  • Coyote Valley Band of Pomo Indians
  • Elem Indian Colony of Pomo Indians of the Sulphur Bank Rancheria
  • Guidiville Rancheria
  • Habematolel Pomo of Upper Lake
  • Hopland Band of Pomo Indians of the Hopland Rancheria
  • Lower Lake Rancheria
  • Manchester Band of Pomo Indians of the Manchester-Point Arena Rancheria
  • Middletown Rancheria of Pomo Indians
  • Pinoleville Pomo Nation
  • Potter Valley Tribe
  • Redwood Valley Rancheria of Pomo Indians
  • Robinson Rancheria of Pomo Indians
  • Round Valley Indian Tribes of the Round Valley Reservation
  • Scotts Valley Band of Pomo Indians
  • Sherwood Valley Rancheria of Pomo Indians

Effective as of: December 19, 2012

Additional Resources:

The mission of the California’s Marine Protected Areas Education and Outreach Initiative is to enhance MPA education through enduring partnerships to empower Californians to protect what they know and love.