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Exploring California’s Marine Protected Areas: Scorpion State Marine Reserve
Are you looking for an island getaway? Somewhere off the beaten path with unparalleled views, and few people with whom to share the island? While more than 17 million people live less than 100 miles away in bustling metropolis of Los Angeles, the largest of Southern...
Exploring California’s Marine Protected Areas: Bodega Head State Marine Reserve and Bodega Head State Marine Conservation Area
The splendor and natural productivity of California’s coastal ocean waters is well known to locals and visitors alike. One of the more prominent features along the southern Sonoma County coastline is Bodega Head, a rugged headland located about 40 miles northwest of...
Sea star wasting disease is still a mystery, but CSUF researchers are on the case
It’s a sea mystery that has stumped scientists along the West Coast for years.But a group of Cal State Fullerton students and marine biologists are on the hunt for answers about a mysterious epidemic that wiped out millions of sea stars in recent years.
Exploring California’s Marine Protected Areas: Pillar Point State Marine Conservation Area
Pillar Point State Marine Conservation Area (SMCA) is located on the stunning coastline of San Mateo county just south of San Francisco. This marine protected area (MPA) lies on the northern edge of Half Moon Bay and is known for its abundant marine life, “fish in...
With Over 20,000 Fish Caught (and released!), CCFRP Finishes 2018 Field Season
Written by Jen Chiu, CCFRP Statewide Coordinator and Lead Field Scientist for Moss Landing Marine Lab with some modifications by Leandra Lopez, MPA Collabortive Network Staff “I am thoroughly impressed with the high standard of science supported and adhered to...
2019 Snapshot Cal Coast Dates announced; New Postdoc Position to Analyze Data
Mark your calendars, we’ve set the dates for the 4th annual Snapshot Cal Coast, the series of coordinated coastal bioblitzes or small groups of people working together to document biodiversity up and down the California coastline. The next Snapshot will be June 1-16,...
Exploring California’s Marine Protected Areas: Ten Mile Beach State Marine Conservation Area and Ten Mile State Marine Reserve
Winding along Highway 1 north of Fort Bragg takes you through coastal plains, patches of forest, and hidden dunes, with a glimpse of the ocean from time to time. As you approach the bridge that crosses Ten Mile River, the scenery suddenly opens up to a panoramic view...
Wags & Waves: An Opportunity to Honor California’s Wildlife Officers
A typical day at the Bali Hai Restaurant includes tables filled with excited tourists chowing down on Polynesian cuisine against the backdrop of a San Diego skyline. On Saturday October 13th, Bali Hai located on Shelter Island in San Diego was home to a scene of...
New Report Identifies Gaps in MPA Outreach and Education in California
“The recreational fishing community remains an underserved audience.” This is among a number of key findings identified in new report by the California Marine Sanctuary Foundation. The report entitled “California MPA Education and Outreach Needs Assessment: Major...
Party Boat Operators to Face Stiffer Penalties for Violations within MPAs
Large strides have recently been made to ensure the compliance of regulations within California’s network of MPAs. Last August, Governor Brown and lawmakers signed into law Assembly Bill 2369 (Gonzalez Fletcher) to increase fines for commercial poaching in California...
Exploring California’s Marine Protected Areas: Morro Bay State Marine Recreational Management Area and Morro Bay State Marine Reserve
As you drive on Highway 1 into Morro Bay, San Luis Obispo County, a towering rock comes into view marking the edge of the Pacific Ocean. More than 575 feet tall, Morro Rock is evidence of the area’s volcanically active past. Morro Rock also marks the beginning of a...
Exploring California’s Marine Protected Areas: Point Dume State Marine Reserve and Point Dume State Marine Conservation Area
Just over 30 miles due west of downtown Los Angeles, one of the world’s most popular coastal destinations — Malibu — attracts millions of visitors each year. Famous for expansive beaches, sprawling estates, and majestic mountains, Malibu averages over 280 sunny days a...











