Tying Traditional Knowledge to Ocean Stewardship: The Del Norte Marine Protected Area Collaborative

The beach at Pyramid Point State Marine Conservation Area. CDFW photo by A. Lui

Driftwood on the beach at Pyramid Point State Marine Conservation Area. CDFW photo by A. Lui

Pyramid Point State Marine Conservation Area. CDFW photo by A. Lui

California is home to a statewide network of 124 ecologically connected marine protected areas (MPAs) managed by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW). CDFW works with many partners, including a grassroots organization

Creature Feature: Pismo Clam

Pismo clams have historically been found as far north as Half Moon Bay; more recently, they have been difficult to find north of Pt. Conception. They prefer the intertidal zone, especially flat, sandy beaches

Exploring California’s Marine Protected Areas: Farnsworth Onshore State Marine Conservation Area and Farnsworth Offshore State Marine Conservation Area

Located around 20 miles off the Southern California mainland, Santa Catalina Island is a popular destination for those looking to enjoy island living. Kayak tours, glass bottom boats, jet ski excursions, and snorkeling

Bag Limits for Saltwater Snails? Following the Regulations for Tidepool Foraging

Gooseneck barnacles may not be collected. photo © Lauren Glevanik CC BY-NC 2.0

Rock crab. Daily bag limit: 35. Size limit: 4 in. across. May be collected by hand, see regulations for trap/hoop net and measuring device requirements. CDFW photo by A. Frimodig

Shore crab. Daily bag limit: 35. CDFW photo by C. Makeyev

Green abalone. No abalone species may be taken (red abalone season is closed). photo by J. Demeter

California mussels. Daily bag limit: 10 lb. in the shell. Only hands may be used to collect them (no tools may be used). CDFW photo by C. Makeyev

Purple sea urchins, red sea urchin. Daily bag limit 35; some northern California counties have larger bag limits for purple sea urchin when snorkling or diving (see regulations). CDFW photo by D. Stein

The rocky seashore has fascinated humans since before written history. Cool ocean breezes on hot summer days and abundant marine life likely attracted our ancestors just as they attract us today.

Exploring California’s Marine Protected Areas: Kashtayit State Marine Conservation Area

Sunset at Kashtayit State Marine Conservation Area
CDFW photo by T. Heitzenrater

Have you ever wanted to fall asleep listening to the sound of ocean waves crashing along the shore, or wake up to the sound of seagulls calling in the morning? Not far from Santa Barbara