Exploring California’s Marine Protected Areas: Pacific Grove Marine Gardens State Marine Conservation Area

The Monterey Peninsula is famous for its scenic views and amazing wildlife. Along the coastline, in the city of Pacific Grove is a beautiful place that exemplifies these features called the Pacific Grove Marine Gardens State Marine Conservation Area (SMCA). This marine protected area (MPA) is nestled between two other MPAs: Asilomar State Marine Reserve (SMR) and Lovers Point-Julia Platt SMR. These three MPAs are all part of California’s MPA Network of 124 MPAs that spans the entire coastline, and is managed by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW). The Pacific Grove Marine Gardens SMCA, as well as its neighboring MPAs, are encompassed within the larger federally managed Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary.

CARES Act Fisheries Relief for California

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) has created a web page dedicated to CARES Act Fisheries Relief for California.

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act was signed into law on March 27, 2020. On May 7, 2020, the Secretary of Commerce announced the allocation of $300 million in fisheries assistance funding provided by the CARES Act to states, Tribes, and territories with coastal and marine fishery participants who have been negatively affected by COVID-19. The State of California was allocated $18,350,586 which will be disbursed to address fishery-related losses related to COVID-19.

CDFW is developing a spending plan consistent with the CARES Act and NOAA’s guidance. The overarching goals of the spending plan are to distribute the funds equitably and efficiently with a focus on assistance to smaller businesses that may not have access to other types of relief provided by the CARES Act. Please visit CDFW’s new CARES Act Fisheries Relief for California web page for more information and details on the spending plan and how to apply as they become available.

For more information, please visit https://wildlife.ca.gov/Regions/Marine/CARES-Act or email CARESfisheriesInfo@wildlife.ca.gov.

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Post by CDFW Marine Region Staff

San Luis Obispo County MPA Collaborative

Diverse marine habitats are a hallmark of California’s central coast region, from sandy beaches and dune landscapes, to expansive estuaries and dense kelp forests. Many are safeguarded by state marine protected areas (MPAs), which aim to protect the abundance of marine life, the habitats on which they depend, and the integrity of marine ecosystems. California is home to a statewide network of 124 ecologically-connected MPAs, managed by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW). CDFW works with many partners, including a grassroots organization called the MPA Collaborative Network to effectively manage this expansive Network. The Collaborative Network engages diverse stakeholders and empowers coastal communities to advance ocean stewardship on a local level.

World Oceans Day

CDFW MPA banner in Blue Cavern Onshore State Marine Conservation Area giant kelp forest
CDFW photo by A. Van Diggelen

Many people know that we celebrate Earth Day on April 22. But did you know there is an international day that celebrates our world’s oceans? Officially recognized by the United Nations and celebrated every June 8 since 2008, World Oceans Day encourages us to come together to acknowledge the beauty and resources the oceans contribute to our everyday lives, as well as the importance of taking care of our global ocean.

For Californians, the spirit of World Oceans Day is already a big part of our state identity! Whether you want to hang ten while surfing in southern California, go whale watching in Monterey Bay, or grab a rod and license and catch a salmon in northern California, with around 1,100 miles of coastline, California is an ocean destination for residents and visitors alike! The theme for this year’s World Oceans Day is “Innovation for a Sustainable Ocean”. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s (CDFW) Marine Region is among the global leaders in innovative research and ocean resource management, which contributes to some of the most sustainable marine life populations in the world.

Exploring California’s Marine Protected Areas: Cabrillo State Marine Reserve

Cabrillo SMR at low tide
CDFW photo by C. Shen

If you’ve never been tidepooling, the Point Loma tidepools in San Diego are a good place to start. These tidepools lie within Cabrillo State Marine Reserve (SMR) and Cabrillo National Monument, just a short drive down the hill from the national monument’s main entrance and visitor center.