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Humboldt Baykeeper and other constituencies involved in the MLPA process have presented a proposal for consideration by the Regional Stakeholder Group for the MLPA process. These proposed MPAs were developed to achieve conservation goals while addressing economic and safety considerations for commercial and recreational fishermen, while meeting the required feasibility criteria. All of the proposed MPAs would allow all traditional, non-commericial, tribal gathering, ceremonial, and stewardship activities. 
This proposal will be discussed at the upcoming Regional Stakeholder Group meeting Aug. 30 - Sept. 1 at the River Lodge in Fortuna Public comment will be heard Mon. 8/30 at 4:30 p.m. *Best time for inputTues. 8/31 at 11:00 a.m. Please speak at only one comment period
Written comments can be submitted via email to:
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or via U.S. mail to: MLPA Initiative office, c/o California Natural Resources Agency1416 Ninth Street, Suite 1311Sacramento, CA 95814
Maps and descriptions of the individual proposed MPAs, along with definitions of the different types of protected areas, are posted below. PLEASE NOTE that people can boat, kayak, swim, surf, dive, etc. within the boundaries of all marine protected areas. This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it CLICK HERE to enlarge the map
Types of marine protected areas (as defined by the Dept. of Fish & Game)SMR: State Marine Reserve. Does not allow any take of marine species within its boundaries. SMCA: State Marine Conservation Area: Allows specific recreational take of marine species within its boundaries, with specific take and gear type identified in Allowable Uses. SMP: State Marine Park.Only allows specific recreational take of marine species within its boundaries, with specific take and gear type identified in Allowable Uses. SMRMA: State Marine Recreational Management Area. Allows specific recreational take of marine species as well as waterfowl hunting, with specific take and gear type identified in Allowable Uses. PROPOSED MPAs FOR THE NORTH COAST, from North to South:  Pyramid Point SMCA
Allowable Uses: Surf and night smelt - dip net - recreational and special intent Surf and night smelt - cast net - recreational Site-Specific Rational: This SMCA captures beach, rocky shore, and shallow soft bottom replicates and is intended to maintain a moderate high level of protection. Includes a unique off-shore island (Prince Island) and several off-shore rocks important for seabird colonies and Aleutian cackling geese. Area receives very low fishery exploitation by California commercial and sport fishers. It also provides 16.28 square miles of protected forage habitat for pinnipeds and cetaceans.
Design Considerations: Allow all traditional, non-commercial, tribal gathering, ceremonial and stewardship activities. Designed to meet DFG feasibility criteria. Maintains tribal resource uses and allows for co-management opportunities. Provides clear and enforceable boundaries with abundant coastal access and vantage points. Allows nearby vessel access (Port of Brookings, OR) for study/enforcement. Located on Oregon Border outside of 10-mile safety zone. Remote location substantially reduces socioeconomic impacts to sport and commercial fisheries in California's highest poverty level area. Offshore Point Saint George SMCA Allowable Uses: Salmon – troll - recreational and commercial Dungeness crab – trap – recreational and commercial
Site-Specific Rationale: This SMCA is designed to protect deeper rocky reef habitats while minimizing the socioeconomic impacts on Crescent City harbor. The area contains the only offshore banks north of Point Reyes in state waters; good reef structure. Design overlaps with existing RCAs to minimize further impact.
Design Considerations: The area contains the only offshore banks north of Point Reyes in state waters; good reef structure. Design overlaps with existing RCAs to minimize further impact. 
Reading Rock SMCAAllowable Uses: No allowed take within boundary of MPA. Site-Specific Rationale: This SMR improves fish productivity to benefit local commercial rockfish industry fishing outside the MPA. The species to benefit include; halibut, harbor seals, sealions, sharks, mussels, rays, kelp, murres, guillemots, cormorants, auklets, lingcod, cabezon, and kelp greenling. The SMR encompasses both rocky reef bottom habitat as well as sandy bottom habitat that includes a significant nursery area for Dungeness crab, and numerous rockfish & flatfish species.
Design Considerations: Considers Yurok ancestral territory and cultural uses of Reading Rock and surrounding waters. Shape modified to conform with DFG feasibility criteria. Reduces socioeconomic impacts for the Crescent City Dungeness crab fishery and Trinidad Harbor commercial and sport rock fishermen and divers. Traditional ceremonial and subsistence uses by California Tribes and Tribal Communities should be allowed.
 South Humboldt Bay SMRMA
Allowable Uses Water fowl hunting. Site-Specific Rationale: This SMRMA is critical habitat for seabirds, migratory waterfowl, plants and Harbor Seals and other marine mammals. Important nursery for marine and estuary fishes, including halibut, leopard sharks and rays. Key points for the millions of migratory birds that rely on the Pacific Flyway. More than 200 bird species, including 80 kinds of water birds and four endangered species, regularly feed, rest, or nest on the refuge or other areas around the bay. Provides habitat for approx. 100 species of fish, many contribute to sport/commercial fisheries and provides habitat for steelhead, Coho, and Chinook salmon. Design Considerations: The intent is to prohibit all extraction except tribal uses. Estuary habitat is in unique close proximity to a Wildlife Refuge on adjacent to the South Bay. Located in the South portion of Humboldt Bay, an area of the Bay that has little to no socioeconomic impacts for the community. Extensive opportunities for ongoing research and public education including already existing activities by local schools, universities and interest groups.  South Cape SMRAllowable Uses: No allowed take within boundary of MPA. Site-Specific Rationale: Captures off shore rocks,rocky shores, soft bottom habits, beaches, 0-30 hard proxy, 30-100 hard/soft. Aids in protection of Pinnipeds haul outs and seabird colonies.
Design Considerations: One of three MPAs in the bioregion divide area that strive for balance of meeting habitat guidelines for 'backbone', community input, cross interest support, and reductions of socioeconomic impacts. While neither the Mattole Canyon SMR or the Petrolia Lighthouse SMR are preferred size, the proximity of the two MPAs to each other should function effectively as a cluster. North boundary landmark River mouth, 'can live with' from fisherman - safety concerns addressed, furthest rocky fishing habitat from Eureka Harbor replaces alternative SMR proposal to north that had greater socioeconomic impacts & safety concerns for recreational fisherman. Southern boundary 'can live with' from Mattole/Petrolia community. Eastern offshore boundary allows for safe shore access for recreational and tribal uses. North of MPA, Sugar Loaf Rock proposed as Special closure. MPA close to meeting spacing guidelines, possible exception due to large stretch of sandy areas and avoidance of significant socioeconomic impacts. Mattole Offshore Canyon SMR
Allowable Uses: No allowed take within the boundary of the MPA.
Site-Specific Rationale: This is the SMR "red" half of a hybrid MPA proposed in lieu of the 18-mile MPA as seen on all 8 external arrays. This hybrid MPA is offered to stand in tandem with the 18.5-mile hybrid MPA south of Punta Gorda from Gorda Lighthouse to Spanish Creek.
Design Considerations: One of three MPAs in the bio-region divide area that strive for balance of meeting habitat guidelines for 'backbone', community input, cross interest RSG member support, and reductions of socio-economic impacts. While neither the South Cape Mendocino SMR or the Petrolia Lighthouse SMR MPAs are preferred size, the proximity of the South Cape Mendocino SMR and Petrolia Lighthouse SMR to each other should function effectively as a cluster. Captures unique canyon habitat, MPA enlarged to capture 0-30 proxy. Offshore East longitude line to allow for shore-based recreational and tribal uses, reducing socio-economic impacts while capturing key guideline habitats. Sea Lion – Spanish SMR Allowable Uses: No allowed take within the boundary of the MPA.
Site-Specific Rationale: The Petrolia Lighthouse SMR captures offshore rocks, rocky shores, kelp, hard 0-30m and 30-100m habitat, offshore rocks and includes all levels of soft habitat. Additionally, important seabird and sea lion rookeries are protected. Design Considerations: One of three MPAs in the bio-region divide area that strive for balance of meeting habitat guidelines for 'backbone', community input, cross interest RSG member support, and reductions of socio-economic impacts. While neither the South Cape Mendocino SMR or the Mattole Canyon SMR MPAs are preferred size, the proximity of the South Cape Mendocino SMR and Mattole Canyon SMR to each other should function effectively as a cluster. Area of significant biological significance. Southern boundary placed off minute longitude line to give allowances for Rogers Break ~40.12'6 which minimizes socio-economic impacts to Shelter Cove harbor. 'Can live with' from Shelter Cove community. 
Big Flat SMRAllowable Uses: Salmon – troll – recreational and commercial Dungeness crab – trap - commercial
Site-Specific Rationale: Captures rocky shores, beaches, all levels of soft habitat, >200 hard. This SMCA is specifically designed to enhance and preserve rock fish habitat while at the same time posing, due to its remote location, little or no socioeconomic impacts to commercial or recreational fishermen. Design Considerations: Remote location with little onshore fishing. Captures existing Essential Fish Habitat Conservation Area. Canyon upwelling exists here, as do rocky shorelines and kelp beds. Meets size guidelines and replicates hard bottom nearshore habitat to the south. Northern boundary 40 10"N recognized landmark in current regulations, aids to ease of enforcement feasibility. Southern boundary, placed off minute longitude line to give allowances for Rogers Break ~40.12'6 which minimizes socio-economic impacts, is approximately 10 miles safety zone from Shelter Cove harbor, and is a ‘can live with' from Shelter Cove community, that strives for balance of meeting habitat guidelines to supplement 'backbone', community input, cross interest RSG member support, and reductions of socio-economic impacts. The intent is to prohibit all extraction except tribal uses. Surfing location. Area of significant biological significance. 
Vizcaino SMCAAllowable Uses: Dungeness crab - troll- commercial Dungeness crab – trap – recreational and commercial Dungeness crab – hoop net – recreational Dungeness crab – diving – recreational
Site-Specific Rationale: Protect an area that is rich in primarily rocky shore habitat with a high diversity of benthic species characteristic of the north coast. Captures Most habitats except deep rock and soft. Only kelp and hard 0-30m replicate in MPA array.
Design Considerations: Socioeconomic impacts were considered when developing the level of protection to allow commercial crabbing and salmon trolling. Positioned near the center of the bioregion South of Gorda capturing and protecting several key habitats defined by the SAT.  Ten Mile SMRAllowable Uses: No allowed take within the boundary of the MPA.
Site-Specific Rationale: This SMR contains one of the widest possible ranges of habitat representation. This MPA has great diversity in unique marine habitats including; exposed high energy rocky shoreline, sand and gravel beaches, offshore islets, surf grass, kelp beds, hard and soft substrates, while interfacing with the complex estuarine habitats consisting of eelgrass beds, marshlands and mudflat ecosystems. This SMR helps maintain biodiversity in fish, invertebrates, seabirds and marine mammals associated with the protection of the ecosystem. Protects a spawning aggregation area of steelhead, coho and Chinook salmon. The area includes pinniped haul-outs and critical nesting and breeding bird habitat, including the endangered snowy plovers. This area includes a portion of the MacKerricher State Park Ingelnook Fen-Ten Mile Dunes Natural Preserve. Beach access increases the feasibility of enforcement. Design Considerations: Socio-economic impact: significant negative impact to the sea urchin industry (estimated $200,000 gross), moderate negative impact on live fishing and crabbing; potential negative impact on seaweed harvesting due to effort shift if other areas are closed to harvesting; minimal impact on abalone harvesting. Placing this reserve 41 miles N of the Pt. Arena SMR minimizes the cumulative effects of effort shift for all commercial, recreational, and subsistence fishing and seaweed harvesting, that would otherwise take place if an MPA was sited within the [preferred] 31-mile spacing guidelines (e.g., at Noyo Harbor). This MPA is adjacent to the mouth of the Ten Mile estuary (proposed SMR). Located at the North end of this MPA is an established marine monitoring site, that along with numerous coastal access points makes it easy for research, recreation and enforcement possible. This MPA is clustered with an adjacent Ten Mile SMR. Ten Mile SMCAAllowable Uses: Dungeness crab – trap – recreational and commercial
Site-Specific Rationale: Adds protection for soft bottom habitat to the adjacent SMR proposed to the north. Connects the estuarine reserve to the offshore SMR while allowing for commercial and recreational crabbing. Serves as an enforcement "buffer" for the "Randy's Rock" Reserve - a kind of "warden's rumble strip" as vessels approach the SMR. Design Considerations: Extremely important crabbing area for the private recreational and commercial passenger fishing vessel fleet out of Fort Bragg; closing the area to crabbing would have a significant negative economic impact. Ten Mile Estuary SMCA Allowable Uses: Yet to be determined
Site-Specific Rationale: This SMCA protects larval source and enhance reproductive capacity of numerous invertebrate species such as Dungeness crabs, ghost shrimp et al. Protects spawning and nursery grounds for populations that are harvested offshore.
Design Considerations: Estuaries support local fish and shellfish populations that are harvested commercially and recreationally and also serve as spawning and nursery grounds for populations harvested offshore. Estuaries rank along with tropical rainforests and coral reefs as the world's most productive ecosystems, more productive than both the rivers and the ocean that influence them. This MPA expands on long-term protections for complex estuarine habitats, including eelgrass beds, marshlands and mudflat ecosystems. Supports current DFG coho and steelhead salmon habitat conservation projects while protecting essential nursery for federal and state listed threatened anadromous fish including Coho, King and Steelhead salmon. Almost the entire stretch of this MPA is close to population centers, with numerous coastal access points making research, long-term monitoring, recreation and enforcement possible. This MPA is designed to provide equivalent protection (no commercial or recreational take) as an SMR while allowing tribal uses.  Big River Estuary SMP
Allowable Uses: Yet to be determined
Site-Specific Rationale: Estuary habitat preserved; eel grass beds; anadromous fish refugia. Design Considerations: This MPA is designed to allow tribal uses and some recreational uses. Within State Parks boundaries. Key recreational kayaking area. A boost to local economy because estuary is protected. Shorebird habitat protected. Navarro River Estuary SMCA Allowable Uses: Yet to be determined
Site-specific Rationale: All species protected as well as prime shorebird habitat and anadromous fish refugia.
Design Considerations: This MPA is designed to allow tribal uses and some recreational uses. Recreational kayaking and canoeing destination. Attraction to easy proximity to State Park beach and shorebird and mammal viewing. |
Marine Life Protection Act 
