California's Underwater Parks
In December 2012, California became an international leader in ocean protection by completing the United States’ first statewide network of marine protected areas (MPAs). Like the nation’s parks, forests and wilderness areas protect wildlife and habitats on land, MPAs protect and restore unique areas of the ocean. California’s MPAs come in many “flavors”; the size and level of protection, including fishing restrictions, can vary from one area to the next. Also called underwater parks or “Yosemites of the Sea”, they’re designed to protect plants and animals within an entire ecosystem, rather than protecting just a single species and ensure healthy, vibrant ocean life for generations to come.
California’s MPAs safeguard critical ocean habitat, allowing sensitive marine communities such as rocky reefs and seagrass beds to thrive and recover. They also protect biodiversity hotspots and important foraging grounds that support numerous species of fish and invertebrates, as well as seabirds and marine mammals. This in turn benefits a wide range of species including plants like bull kelp, invertebrates like sea stars, and marine mammals such as seals and otters. As safe havens, underwater parks offer a home and refuge for Big, Old, Fertile, Female (BOFF) fish to recover, grow and replenish our ocean.
MPAs are a "network of underwater nurseries"!
The central coast region of California was the first of the four coastal regions to establish a network of MPAs. Underwater parks in the central coast protect areas like the iconic Point Lobos, winding waterways of Elkhorn Slough, the tidepools of Natural Bridges, the elephant seal rookery at Piedras Blancas and many more important marine environments! Altogether, 29 MPAs were designated from Pigeon Point in the north to Point Conception in the south. These MPAs represent approximately 204 square miles (18%) of state waters within the region with approximately 85 square miles (7.5%) designated as "no take" state marine reserves. These MPAs went into effect in 2007.
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California's Underwater Parks
The central coast region of California was the first of the four coastal regions to establish a network of MPAs. Underwater parks in the central coast protect areas like the iconic Point Lobos, winding waterways of Elkhorn Slough, the tidepools of Natural Bridges, the elephant seal rookery at Piedras Blancas and many more important marine environments! Altogether, 29 MPAs were designated from Pigeon Point in the north to Point Conception in the south. These MPAs represent approximately 204 square miles (18%) of state waters within the region with approximately 85 square miles (7.5%) designated as "no take" state marine reserves. These MPAs went into effect in 2007. Natural Bridges State Marine Reserve (SMR) Located at the northern end of the city of Santa Cruz, Natural Bridges is an accessible and popular area where visitors and scientists alike can explore extensive and biologically rich tidepools and sandy beaches.
Natural Bridges
Natural Bridges SMR extends only 200 feet from shore, and stretches from 4-mile beach in the north to Natural Bridges State Beach. This no-take area is a favorite with surfers. Four-mile beach is a popular surfing and picnic beach with rocky reefs to explore on the north end. Three-mile beach is another surfer’s spot and Natural Bridges, with its scenic arch, Monarch butterflies and visitor center, is a popular state beach. Wilder Ranch State Park offers a wonderful hiking and biking coastal trail that extends from the parking lot in the state park all the way to 4-mile beach, offering breathtaking views of this MPA. Natural Bridges SMR is also adjacent to the University of California at Santa Cruz’s marine science laboratory and its interpretive public aquarium - the Seymour Marine Discovery Center - providing excellent opportunities for enhanced research and education.
Explore California's Underwater Parks without getting your feet wet through new online tours!
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