2023-23MPA

Submitted by: Keith Rootsaert

Summary: Reclassify three SMCAs (Pacific Grove Marine Gardens SMCA, Edward F. Ricketts SMCA, Carmel Bay SMCA) as SMRs; allow urchin culling in these three MPAs, as well as in a portion of Point Lobos SMR; designate Tanker's Reef as new SMR; take several proposed actions to facilitate kelp restoration.

A legend for the maps that follow, where State Marine Reserves are shown in red, no-take State Marine Conservation Areas or SMCAs are shown in purple, SMCAs are shown in blue, State Marine Recreational Management Areas are shown in green, and Special Closures are shown in pink.

Use the slider in the image below to visualize the proposed changes.

A slider-controlled map showing the existing MPA network on the left and the proposed change on the right. The map is centered around the Monterey Peninsula in Monterey County in central California. On the left, existing MPAs are shown with Edward F. Ricketts SMCA, Pacific Grove Marine Gardens SMCA, Carmel Bay SMCA, and Point Lobos SMR highlighted. On the right, the network is again shown, but with the addition of Tankers Reef SMR, a proposed new MPA, near the city of Monterey. In addition, the three SMCAS are symbolized in red with a crosshatch design to signify the proposal to change their designation to SMR.
A slider-controlled map showing the existing MPA network on the left and the proposed change on the right. The map is centered around the Monterey Peninsula in Monterey County in central California. On the left, existing MPAs are shown with Edward F. Ricketts SMCA, Pacific Grove Marine Gardens SMCA, Carmel Bay SMCA, and Point Lobos SMR highlighted. On the right, the network is again shown, but with the addition of Tankers Reef SMR, a proposed new MPA, near the city of Monterey. In addition, the three SMCAS are symbolized in red with a crosshatch design to signify the proposal to change their designation to SMR.

Additional proposed actions (not pictured in map):

  • Allow seasonal deployment of buoys in kelp restoration areas
  • Develop a regulatory pathway for creating an artificial reef
  • Make changes to the Scientific Collecting Permit process
  • Make changes to outreach regarding kelp restoration