Guide to Northern California Marine Protected Areas Now Available Online

The Department of Fish and Game (DFG) has released the Guide to the Northern California Marine Protected Areas. This full-color guide includes maps with identifiable landmarks, shoreline boundary images and existing regulations for marine protected areas (MPAs) along the northern California coast (California-Oregon state line in Del Norte County to Point Arena in Mendocino County). Additional information about northern California MPAs, answers to frequently asked questions, general rules that apply to all MPAs and links to DFG web pages are also included in the guide.

Northern California MPAs will go into effect Wednesday, Dec. 19. The California Fish and Game Commission adopted regulations in June. This regional network includes 19 MPAs, one State Marine Recreational Management Area and seven special closures, covering approximately 137 square miles of state waters and 13 percent of the region.

The guide is available for online viewing and printing at http://www.dfg.ca.gov/mlpa/guidebooks.asp.

For more information on California’s MPA network, including the northern California coast, please visit www.dfg.ca.gov/mlpa.

California Department of Fish and Wildlife

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) is a department within the government of California, falling under its parent California Natural Resources Agency. The Department of Fish and Wildlife manages and protects the state's diverse fish, wildlife, plant resources, and native habitats. The department is also responsible for the diversified use of fish and wildlife including recreational, commercial, scientific and educational uses. The department also utilizes its law enforcement division to prevent and stop illegal poaching.