This chart does not replace the legal description found in Title 14, California Code of Regulations.
Existing Marine Protected Area Maps and Coordinates

Classifications

ORANGE COUNTY MARINE PROTECTED AREAS

State Marine Reserve

Heisler Park - Take of all living resources is prohibited

State Marine Conservation Areas bordering coastline

Robert E. Badham, Irvine Coast, Laguna Beach, South Laguna Beach, Niguel, Dana Point, Doheny Beach:

Take of all living resources is prohibited EXCEPT: lobster (in season); rockfish (family Scorpaenidae), greenling, lingcod, cabezon, yellowtail, mackerel, bluefin tuna, kelp bass, spotted sand bass, barred sand bass, sargo, croaker, queenfish, corbina, white seabass, opaleye, halfmoon, surfperch (family Embiotocidae), blacksmith, barracuda, California sheephead, bonito, California halibut, sole, turbot and sanddab.

State Marine Conservation Areas overlapping intertidal MPAs and extending seaward (more stringent regulations apply in overlapping areas along intertidal)

Crystal Cove, Doheny:

Take of all living resources is prohibited EXCEPT: finfish, chiones, clams, cockles, rock scallops, native oysters, crabs, lobsters, ghost shrimp, sea urchins, mussels and marine worms except that no worms may be taken in any mussel bed unless taken incidentally to the take of mussels.

Click here for more information on Fishing in MPAs

What is an MPA?

State law defines an MPA as a named discrete geographic area that has been designated by law, administrative action, or voter initiative to protect or conserve marine life and habitat. MPAs are primarily intended to protect or conserve marine life and habitat, and are considered to be a subset of marine managed areas (MMAs). The primary distinction between the two groups is that all MPAs have specific regulations designed to limit the take of living resources.

There are currently 61 California MPAs that are entirely marine and 19 that are estuarine. Some existing MPAs have overlapping boundaries with differing regulations, as indicated in the following evaluations. When MPAs overlap, the more restrictive regulations for any species apply.

The following terms are defined in Public Resources Code (PRC) Section 36700 and 36710:

State Marine Reserve (Type A)

The MLPA states that "marine life reserves" (defined as no-take areas) are essential elements of an MPA system because they "protect habitat and ecosystems, conserve biological diversity, provide a sanctuary for fish and other sea life, enhance recreational and educational opportunities, provide a reference point against which scientists can measure changes elsewhere in the marine environment, and may help rebuild depleted fisheries" (Section 2851(f)).

A "state marine reserve," is a non-terrestrial marine or estuarine area that is designated so the managing agency may achieve one or more of the following:

1. protect or restore rare, threatened or endangered native plants, animals or habitats in marine areas;

2. protect or restore outstanding, representative or imperiled marine species, communities, habitats and ecosystems;

3. protect or restore diverse marine gene pools; or

4. contribute to the understanding and management of marine resources and ecosystems by providing the opportunity for scientific research in outstanding, representative or imperiled marine habitats or ecosystems.

Restrictions [36710(a) PRC]: it is unlawful to injure, damage, take or possess any living, geological or cultural marine resource, except under a permit or specific authorization from the managing agency for research, restoration or monitoring purposes. While, to the extent feasible, the area shall be open to the public for managed enjoyment and study, the area shall be maintained to the extent practicable in an undisturbed and unpolluted state. Therefore, access and use (such as walking, swimming, boating and diving) may be restricted to protect marine resources.

Allowable uses [36710(a) PRC]: research, restoration and monitoring may be permitted by the managing agency. Educational activities and other forms of non-consumptive human use may be permitted by the designating entity or managing agency in a manner consistent with the protection of all marine resources.

State Marine Park (Type B)

A "state marine park," is a non-terrestrial marine or estuarine area that is designated so the managing agency may provide opportunities for spiritual, scientific, educational, and recreational opportunities, as well as one or more of the following:

1. protect or restore outstanding, representative or imperiled marine species, communities, habitats and ecosystems;

2. contribute to the understanding and management of marine resources and ecosystems by providing the opportunity for scientific research in outstanding, representative or imperiled marine habitats or ecosystems;

3. preserve cultural objects of historical, archaeological and scientific interest in marine areas; or

4. preserve outstanding or unique geological features.

Restrictions [36710(b) PRC]: it is unlawful to injure, damage, take or possess any living or nonliving marine resources for commercial exploitation purposes. Any human use that would compromise protection of the species of interest, natural community or habitat, or geological, cultural or recreational features, may be restricted by the designating entity or managing agency.

Allowable uses [36710(b) PRC]: all other uses are allowed, including scientific collection with a permit, research, monitoring and public recreation (including recreational harvest, unless otherwise restricted). Public use, enjoyment and education are encouraged, in a manner consistent with protecting resource values.

State Marine Conservation Area (Type C)

A "state marine conservation area," is a non-terrestrial marine or estuarine area that is designated so the managing agency may achieve one or more of the following:

1. protect or restore rare, threatened or endangered native plants, animals or habitats in marine areas;

2. protect or restore outstanding, representative or imperiled marine species, communities, habitats and ecosystems;

3. protect or restore diverse marine gene pools;

4. contribute to the understanding and management of marine resources and ecosystems by providing the opportunity for scientific research in outstanding, representative or imperiled marine habitats or ecosystems;

5. preserve outstanding or unique geological features; or

6. provide for sustainable living marine resource harvest.

Restrictions [36710(c) PRC]: it is unlawful to injure, damage, take or posses any specified living, geological or cultural marine resources for certain commercial, recreational, or a combination of commercial and recreational purposes. In general, any commercial and/or recreational uses that would compromise protection of the species of interest, natural community, habitat or geological features may be restricted by the designating entity or managing agency.

Allowable uses [36710(c) PRC]: research, education and recreational activities, and certain commercial and recreational harvest of marine resources may be permitted.