Morro Bay State Marine Recreational Management Area and Morro Bay State Marine Reserve
Encyclopedia
Morro Bay State Marine Recreational Management Area (SMRMA) and Morro Bay State Marine Reserve (SMR) are two marine protected areas that provide protection for Morro Bay Estuary on California’s central coast. The two marine protected areas together encompass 3.31 square miles (8.6 km²). Within the SMRMA fishing and take of all living marine resources is prohibited except that north of latitude 35° 19.70’ N the recreational take of finfish and aquaculture of oysters, pursuant to a valid State water bottom lease and permit, is permitted. And recreational hunting of waterfowl is allowed unless otherwise restricted by hunting regulations. The SMR protects all marine life within its boundaries. Fishing and take of all living marine resources is prohibited.
Initiative. The Marine Life Protection Act Initiative (or MLPAI) is a collaborative public process to create a statewide network of marine protected areas along the California coastline.
. Morro Rock
is a 581-foot volcanic plug located just offshore from Morro Bay, at the entrance to Morro Bay Harbor.
The Morro Bay SMRMA includes the area below mean high tide within Morro Bay east of the Morro Bay entrance breakwater and west of longitude 120° 50.34’ W.
The Morro Bay SMR includes the area below mean high tide line within Morro Bay east of longitude 120° 50.34’ W.
. Large and diverse invertebrate populations inhabit the mudflats of the Bay; fish use the Bay as a nursery ground and dense meadows of eelgrass support a highly productive environment.
Area parks include Morro Bay State Park
, Morro Strand State Beach
and Montana de Oro State Park
which provide hiking trails and campgrounds. Morro Bay State Park includes a Museum of Natural History.
California’s marine protected areas encourage recreational and educational uses of the ocean. Activities such as kayaking, diving, snorkeling, and swimming are allowed unless otherwise restricted.
Local scientific and educational institutions involved in the monitoring include Stanford University’s Hopkins Marine Station, University of California Santa Cruz, Moss Landing Marine Laboratories and Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. Research methods include hook-and-line sampling, intertidal and scuba diver surveys, and the use of Remote Operated Vehicle (ROV) submarines.
History
Morro Bay State Marine Recreational Management Area and Morro Bay State Marine Reserve were established in September 2007 by the California Department of Fish & Game. They are two of 29 marine protected areas adopted during the first phase of the Marine Life Protection ActMarine Life Protection Act
The Marine Life Protection Act was passed in 1999 and is part of the California Fish and Game Code. The MLPA requires California to reevaluate all existing marine protected areas and potentially design new MPAs that together function as a statewide network. The MLPA has clear guidance associated...
Initiative. The Marine Life Protection Act Initiative (or MLPAI) is a collaborative public process to create a statewide network of marine protected areas along the California coastline.
Geography and natural features
The Morro Bay marine protected areas are near the city of Morro Bay and adjoin Morro Bay State ParkMorro Bay State Park
Morro Bay State Park is a state park in Morro Bay, in western San Luis Obispo County, California. On the bay’s northeastern edge, there is a saltwater marsh that supports a thriving bird population. -Recreation:...
. Morro Rock
Morro Rock
Morro Rock is a volcanic plug located just offshore from Morro Bay, California, at the entrance to Morro Bay Harbor. A causeway connects it with the shore, effectively making it a tied island. The area surrounding the base of Morro Rock can be visited. The rock is protected as the Morro Rock State...
is a 581-foot volcanic plug located just offshore from Morro Bay, at the entrance to Morro Bay Harbor.
The Morro Bay SMRMA includes the area below mean high tide within Morro Bay east of the Morro Bay entrance breakwater and west of longitude 120° 50.34’ W.
The Morro Bay SMR includes the area below mean high tide line within Morro Bay east of longitude 120° 50.34’ W.
Habitat and wildlife
Morro Bay Estuary is one of the largest and most important wetland systems on the central coast, sustaining diverse habitats that support sensitive and endangered species. Morro Bay serves as an important resting and foraging ground for migratory birds using the Pacific FlywayPacific Flyway
The Pacific Flyway is a major north-south route of travel for migratory birds in America, extending from Alaska to Patagonia. Every year, migratory birds travel some or all of this distance both in spring and in fall, following food sources, heading to breeding grounds, or travelling to...
. Large and diverse invertebrate populations inhabit the mudflats of the Bay; fish use the Bay as a nursery ground and dense meadows of eelgrass support a highly productive environment.
Recreation and nearby attractions
Morro Bay supports a variety of recreational activities such as bird watching, sea kayaking, and recreational fishing, and is a working commercial and sport fishing harbor.Area parks include Morro Bay State Park
Morro Bay State Park
Morro Bay State Park is a state park in Morro Bay, in western San Luis Obispo County, California. On the bay’s northeastern edge, there is a saltwater marsh that supports a thriving bird population. -Recreation:...
, Morro Strand State Beach
Morro Strand State Beach
Morro Strand State Beach is located two miles south of Cayucos on Highway 1 and is a coastal frontage park featuring picnic sites. A three-mile stretch of beach connects the southern and northern entrances to the beach.-Proposed for closure:...
and Montana de Oro State Park
Montaña de Oro State Park
Montaña de Oro is a state park in California, United States. The park is located six miles southwest of Morro Bay and 2 miles south of Los Osos...
which provide hiking trails and campgrounds. Morro Bay State Park includes a Museum of Natural History.
California’s marine protected areas encourage recreational and educational uses of the ocean. Activities such as kayaking, diving, snorkeling, and swimming are allowed unless otherwise restricted.
Scientific monitoring
As specified by the Marine Life Protection Act, select marine protected areas along California’s central coast are being monitored by scientists to track their effectiveness and learn more about ocean health. Similar studies in marine protected areas located off of the Santa Barbara Channel Islands have already detected gradual improvements in fish size and number..Local scientific and educational institutions involved in the monitoring include Stanford University’s Hopkins Marine Station, University of California Santa Cruz, Moss Landing Marine Laboratories and Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. Research methods include hook-and-line sampling, intertidal and scuba diver surveys, and the use of Remote Operated Vehicle (ROV) submarines.