Piedras Blancas State Marine Reserve and Marine Conservation Area

The Piedras Blancas State Marine Reserve (SMR) is a no-take zone located between Arroyo De La Cruz at Point Sierra Nevada and Arroyo Laguna, near San Simeon. It is adjacent to the Piedras Blancas State Marine Conservation Area (MCA) centered around Point Piedras Blancas. To learn more about California’s Marine Protected Areas (MPA’s) and their boundary coordinates, click here. A video about the creation can be watched here.

The Marine Life Protection Act of 1999 (MLPA) required the California Department of Fish and Wildlife to redesign its system of marine protected areas (MPAs) to increase protection of the state’s marine life, habitats, and ecosystems. The coastal portion of California’s MPA network is now in effect statewide.

Explore California’s underwater parks without getting your feet wet through a new online tour. The California Google MPA Tour features detailed descriptions of each of the state’s marine protected areas, including state and federal marine protected areas. The website offers stunning photos and videos, and links to local “things to do” for your enjoyment and vacation planning.