Tag Archives: california department of fish and wildlife

This is a special, two-part installment of the California Department of Fish and Wildlife series, Exploring California’s Marine Protected Areas. Part One investigates what makes this bit of estuary special and the protections in place to safeguard it, while Part Two will take an inside look at research under way in the bay. Situated along the rugged coastline of […]

“That’s a marine protected area, you can’t fish there!” Actually, in over half of California’s marine protected areas (MPAs), you can. It’s a misconception that fishing isn’t allowed in MPAs, because in reality 65 of the 124 MPAs throughout the state allow the harvest of specified marine resources, either commercially or recreationally – sometimes both. The only MPAs […]

One stretch of coastline in Central California is so picturesque that it is considered by some to be “the greatest meeting of land and sea in the world.”  Filled with amazing hiking trails, abundant marine life, and unparalleled scuba diving, this area is just a short drive south of the Monterey Peninsula. Given how easy it […]

As a surfer in northern California, I get to enjoy spectacular views of the California coastline. In between waves, there are times when I look around in awe at the scenery – geometric rock outcroppings, softened by endless treetops, further improved by chance sightings of curious wildlife. Of all the beautiful spots in northern California, […]

Cruising north along the Santa Barbara coast can be smooth sailing across sheltered waters, with the majestic backdrop of the Santa Ynez Mountains towering above expansive kelp beds and calm sandy beaches. As you get close to Point Conception, however, wise mariners know that smooth sailing can simply be the calm before the storm.