Tag Archives: san mateo

Exploring California’s Marine Protected Areas: Pillar Point State Marine Conservation Area

November 15th, 2018

Pillar Point State Marine Conservation Area (SMCA) is located on the stunning coastline of San Mateo county just south of San Francisco. This marine protected area (MPA) lies on the northern edge of Half Moon Bay and is known for its abundant marine life, “fish in grey suits” (white sharks), surfers in rubber suits, and […]

Exploring California’s Marine Protected Areas: Año Nuevo State Marine Reserve

December 19th, 2016

Año Nuevo’s unique environment led to the establishment of a land-based state park in 1985 and a marine protected area (MPA) in the adjacent ocean in 2007. Año Nuevo State Park is comprised of wetland marshes, rolling sand dunes, chaparral, coastal scrub and terrace prairie. Año Nuevo State Marine Reserve (SMR), the most recently established MPA (established […]