Exploring California’s Marine Protected Areas: South Cape Mendocino State Marine Reserve, Sugarloaf Island Special Closure, and Steamboat Rock Special Closure

MPA sign at the SMR, Steamboat Rock to the left. CDFW photo by S. Worden

Sugarloaf Island, just north of South Cape Mendocino SMR. photo by A. Zykov, CC BY-SA 2.0

Sunrise at Cape Mendocino. photo by S. Worden

Although California is the most populous state in the United States, much of the coastal area north of San Francisco is undeveloped and provides the perfect escape for those seeking a bit of solitude.

Exploring California’s Marine Protected Areas: Egg (Devil’s Slide) Rock to Devil’s Slide Special Closure

View of Egg Rock from the mainland
photo by P. Gonzales

In 1986, a devastating oil spill wiped out an entire population of more than 3,000 common murres nesting on Egg Rock off the coast of San Mateo County. But this restoration story has a happy ending – over the last quarter century, the common murre population here has rebounded to more than 2,000 birds. Read on to find out how state and federal interventions assisted in this comeback…

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

Exploring California’s Marine Protected Areas: Double Point/Stormy Stack Rock Special Closure

Double Point/Stormy Stack Rock Special Closure is located just north of Duxbury Reef State Marine Conservation Area in Marin County.
CDFW Marine Region map

California’s coastline north of San Francisco is well-known for rocky cliffs, small coves with sandy shorelines, and numerous offshore rocks of all shapes and sizes. Some of the larger offshore rocks in these cold waters

Exploring California’s Marine Protected Areas: Castle Rock Special Closure

Castle Rock’s mere 14 acres hosts thousands of seabirds every year
photo by S. Harris, USFWS

As a surfer in northern California, I get to enjoy spectacular views of the California coastline. In between waves, there are times when I look around in awe at the scenery – geometric rock outcroppings, softened by endless treetops, further improved by chance sightings of curious wildlife. Of all the beautiful spots in northern California, one of my favorites is special to more creatures than just surfers – Castle Rock Special Closure.