Upper Newport Bay State Marine Conservation Area
Upper Newport Bay State Marine Conservation Area (SMCA) is a marine protected area that extends offshore of Encinitas in San Diego County on California’s south coast. The SMCA covers 1.28 square miles. The SMCA protects marine life by limiting the removal of marine wildlife from within its borders. Upper Newport Bay SMCA prohibits take of all living marine resources except the recreational take of finfish by hook-and-line from shore only, or take pursuant to maintenance dredging, habitat restoration, research and education programs, maintenance of artificial structures, and operation and maintenance of existing facilities inside the conservation area per any required federal, state and local permits, or activities pursuant to Section 630, or as otherwise authorized by the department.
In waters below the mean high tide line inside the Upper Newport Bay Ecological Reserve, northeastward of a line connecting Shellmaker Island.
- 33°37.20′N 117°53.51′W / 33.62000°N 117.89183°W and North Star Beach
- 33°37.38′N 117°53.60′W / 33.62300°N 117.89333°W.
The following restrictions apply:[1]
Swimming is allowed only in the area between North Star Beach and mid-channel. Boats are limited to speeds less than five miles per hour. Shoreline access is limited to established trails, paths, or other designated areas.
History
SMCA is one of 36 new marine protected areas adopted by the California Fish and Game Commission in December, 2010 during the third phase of the Marine Life Protection Act Initiative. The MLPAI is a collaborative public process to create a statewide network of protected areas along California’s coastline.
The south coast’s new marine protected areas were designed by local divers, fishermen, conservationists and scientists who comprised the South Coast Regional Stakeholder Group. Their job was to design a network of protected areas that would preserve sensitive sea life and habitats while enhancing recreation, study and education opportunities.
The south coast marine protected areas went into effect in 2012.
Geography and natural features
Upper Newport Bay SMCA is a marine protected area in Orange County on California’s south coast.
This area includes the waters below the mean high tide line within Upper Newport Bay northeastward of Pacific Coast Highway approximated by a line between the following two points:
Habitat and wildlife
This area protects a rare upland lagoon system and associated species.[2]
Recreation and nearby attractions
Located in the City of Newport Beach, Upper Newport Bay SMCA sits amongst some of southern California’s most visited coastal recreation amenities. Miles of sandy beaches, coves and points, and blufftop hiking trails are available for beachcombing, wading, surfing, snorkeling and kayaking. To the north, Crystal Cove State Beach abuts the Crystal Cove State Marine Conservation Area, providing access trails, interpretative signage and kiosks, along with restrooms and visitor facilities. Popular scuba diving and snorkeling spots also dot the State Park’s coastline. Laguna Beach SMR sits among numerous sandy coves with dramatic rock formations and fascinating tidepools, along with famous surfing spots such as Aliso Beach, Doheney, and Salt Creek. Throughout this area, collecting living marine resources from the intertidal area is prohibited to preserve wildlife, while some fishing opportunities are available offshore along the Crystal Cove and Dana Point coastline outside the Laguna Beach SMR and SMCA.
Inland, both Crystal Cove State Park and Aliso Canyon Regional Park offer hiking and picnicking opportunities within their protected borders. Visitor services including fine dining and refreshments, lodging, museums and other visitor attractions abound within this urban and tourist-friendly area. The City of Laguna beach is a top southern California tourist attraction, hosting art galleries and beachside restaurants.
Scientific monitoring
As specified by the Marine Life Protection Act, select marine protected areas along California’s south 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.[3]
References
- ↑ California Department of Fish and Game
- ↑ Joyce, Ed (June 25, 2012). "Volunteers working to restore Upper Newport Bay estuary". Southern California Public Radio. Retrieved 2 April 2016.
- ↑ http://www.dfg.ca.gov/marine/channel_islands/pdfs/handout_caselle.pdf