Marine Protected Areas Frequently Asked Questions

What is a marine protected area or MPA?
What is the MLPA (Marine Life Protection Act)?
Can I swim in a marine protected area?
How do marine protected areas (MPAs) work?
Why does fish size matter?
What is the “spillover effect?”
What is the difference between a State Marine Reserve (SMR) and a State Marine Conservation Area (SMCA)?
Will the MLPA (Marine Life Protection Act) close coastal access?
Where are the marine protected areas (MPAs) in San Diego?
How will marine protected areas (MPAs) benefit me?

What is a marine protected area or MPA?

MPA stands for Marine Protected Area.  Often referred to as “underwater state parks,” they are areas that are set aside for protection in an effort to restore and preserve fish stocks and marine ecosystems. (return to top)

What is the MLPA (Marine Life Protection Act)?

MLPA stands for Marine Life Protection Act.  The MLPA is landmark California legislation, signed in 1999 that mandates the creation of a network of MPAs along the entire California coast.  The Act creates a “savings plan” for our state’s coastal waters, and seeks to ensure the health of our marine resources for future generations. (return to top)

Can I swim in a marine protected area?

Absolutely!  California’s new MPAs do not place new restrictions on any non-consumptive use.  This means that swimming, surfing, boating, kayaking, diving, snorkeling and tidepooling will all continue to be allowed within the new MPAs unless otherwise prohibited by previously existing regulations. (return to top)

How do marine protected areas (MPAs) work?

MPAs take a holistic approach to preserving ecosystems.  This means that rather than protecting individual species, they protect the entire interconnected system.  A holistic strategy ensures the health of predator prey relationships and allows the entire food web to rehabilitate.  Species that are heavily targeted by anglers tend to benefit the most from MPAs because the protected status allows them to live longer, grow larger, and reproduce more. (return to top)

Why does fish size matter?

Bigger fish are better!  We call them BOFFs (Big Ol’ Fat Females).  The older and larger a female fish, the more she reproduces.  In fact, the increase is exponential.  Some rockfish grow an average of an inch per year, and a 24” fish produces about 10X more eggs than a 12” fish.  That means that if we let a few fish live longer lives, they can have a dramatic positive impact on the health of the entire population. (return to top)

What is the “spillover effect?”

The “spillover effect” is the means by which MPAs repopulate surrounding unprotected waters.  The high volume of larvae produced by large mature fish within MPAs does not always stay at home.  Often, they are carried into surrounding waters by ocean currents where they help repopulate depleted ecosystems and create sustainable fisheries. Additionally, as healthier fish stocks saturate MPAs, they naturally begin to spill over beyond the borders in search of less crowded habitat.  The effect is similar to suburban sprawl emanating from a city center. (return to top)

What is the difference between a State Marine Reserve (SMR) and a State Marine Conservation Area (SMCA)?

Within the MLPA mandated network, individual MPAs receive varying levels of protection.  The highest level of protection constitutes a State Marine Reserve (SMR).  SMRs are fully protected and do not allow for any consumptive use.  All fishing and harvest (commercial and recreational) is completely prohibited.  State Marine Conservation Areas are MPAs where certain limited consumptive use may be allowed.  For example, the SMCA at Swamis Reef allows for shorefishing and spearfishing for certain species. (return to top)

Will the MLPA (Marine Life Protection Act) close coastal access?

No!  The new MPAs will not affect coastal access in any way.  All beach access and boat launch points will remain open unless otherwise restricted. (return to top)

Where are the marine protected areas (MPAs) in San Diego?

The two most significant MPAs in San Diego are at South La Jolla (from Missouri St. north to Palomar St.) and at Swamis Reef (from the northern boundary of Cardiff State Beach, north to Moonlight Beach.  South La Jolla and Swamis Reef are two of San Diego’s most iconic coastal treasures, and are finally getting the protection they deserve.  The MPA complex at South La Jolla includes a 4.7 square mile fully protected SMR, and Swamis SMCA is San Diego County’s largest MPA checking in at just over 12 square miles. (return to top)

How will marine protected areas (MPAs) benefit me?

Do you love the ocean? Do you swim? Surf? Fish? Dive? Snorkel? Tidepool? Kayak? Birdwatch?  If you answered yes to any of the above, than MPAs benefit you!  Marine Protected Areas create healthier fisheries and marine ecosystems.  They improve the quality of experience for all user groups.  Enjoy your new MPAs San Diego! (return to top)