San Diego County Marine Protected Areas Wildlife and Recreation Guide

Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) protect the diversity and abundance of marine life, the habitats they depend on, and the integrity of marine ecosystems. The Marine Life Protection Act recognizes that a combination of MPAs with varied amounts of allowed activities and protections(marine reserves, marine conservation areas, and marine parks) can help conserve biological diversity, proved a sanctuary for marine life, and enhanced recreational and educational opportunities. MPAs can also provide scientific reference points to assist with resource management decisions, and protect a variety of marine habitats, communities, and ecosystems for their economic and intrinsic value, for generations to come. (read less)