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In 2002 the California Fish and Game Commission established a network of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) within the nearshore waters of the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary (sanctuary). NOAA expanded the MPA network into the sanctuary's deeper waters in 2006 and 2007.

The entire MPA network consists of 11 marine reserves where all take and harvest is prohibited, and two marine conservation areas that allow limited take of lobster and pelagic fish (see map)
This MPA network encompass 241 square nautical miles (or 318 square miles) making it the largest network off of the continental United States. The Channel Islands MPA network is designed to:

• Protect and restore habitats and ecosystems.
• Provide a refuge for all sea life.
• Provide reference areas for research and educational opportunities.
• Protect our nation's marine natural heritage for future generations.
  
  Network Effectiveness – the First Five Years (2003 to 2008)
  The Sanctuary, California Department of Fish and Game, Channel Islands National Park and the Partnership for Interdisciplinary Studies of Coastal Oceans (PISCO) at the University of California, Santa Barbara sponsored a public symposium on the first five years of monitoring, enforcement and education programs for the Channel Islands Marine Protected Area Network. For the report visit: www.dfg.ca.gov/marine/channel_islands/fiveyears.asp
  
  MPA RELATED INFORMATION
  
  California’s Marine Protected Areas (MPAs)
  This web page is intended to provide the public with basic information about why MPAs are an important tool for resource protection and an overview of both state and federally-designated MPAs. It was created in partnership with the Monterey Bay Sanctuary Foundation, the California Department of Fish and Game, and California State Parks.
  
  California’s Marine Life Protection Act (MLPA) Initiative
  For information on the State of California’s MLPA Initiative to reevaluate and redesign California’s system of marine protected areas, please visit:www.dfg.ca.gov/mlpa