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.

 

For more information, contact:
Sean Hastings
NOAA Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary
Channel Islands Harbor
113 Harbor Way, Suite 150, Santa Barbara, CA. 93109
(805)966-7107 ext. 472
Sean.Hastings@noaa.gov