About MPAs

Marine protected areas (MPAs) are marine or estuarine waters set aside primarily to protect or conserve marine life, and its associated habitat. MPAs have varying levels of protections and allowed uses, from “no-take” zones to those that allow some forms of fishing.

What is an MPA?

Just as parks on land protect special lands and wildlife from overdevelopment and hunting, these underwater parks preserve California’s stunning marine ecosystems for future generations to observe and enjoy. NOAA’s first female chief scientist, Sylvia Earle, believes these protected areas are the key to the health and future of our oceans. “I wish you would use all means at your disposal – films! expeditions! the web! more! – to ignite public support for a global network of marine protected areas, hope spots large enough to save and restore the ocean, the blue heart of the planet.” These areas play an important role in restoring ocean life threatened by overfishing, pollution, and habitat destruction.

California’s coast and ocean are among our most treasured resources. The productivity, wildness and beauty found here is central to California’s identity, heritage and economy. California MPAs were designed by local stakeholders with guidance and feedback from scientists, managing agencies, experts, policymakers, and the general public, to achieve goals set forth in California’s Marine Life Protection Act (MLPA). MPAs conserve biological diversity and protect a variety of marine habitats, communities and ecosystems for their intrinsic value, while allowing for human use of marine resources. By protecting sensitive ocean and coastal habitat, marine life flourishes and, in turn, creates a healthier system overall.

California now leads the nation and the world in ocean protection, ensuring the preservation of ecosystems along the coastline of California.