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.
Tag Archives: santa barbara channel mpa collaborative
Exploring California’s Marine Protected Areas: Anacapa Island State Marine Reserve
October 22nd, 2015
Off the coast of the densely populated Los Angeles metropolitan area resides one of California’s great wildlife treasures: the Northern Channel Islands. Often considered the “Galapagos of North America” this small archipelago hosts one of the most diverse ecosystems in the world.
Responding to the Plains All American Refugio Oil Spill
June 2nd, 2015
On the afternoon of May 19th, Plains All American Pipeline reported oil spilled from a transmission pipeline under Highway 1, affecting the coast and ocean north of Santa Barbara and spreading. Agencies Responding QuicklyWhile we are sad to hear this unfortunate news, agencies have responded and are working 24/7 to contain the spill. Governor Brown […]
Channel Islands MPAs – a decade of change on rocky reefs
March 7th, 2015
**This blog entry orginally appeared on the website oceanspaces.org.**/p> In 2003, a network of MPAs was implemented in the northern Channel Islands, home to the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary and the Channel Islands National Park. Now part of the South Coast region of the Marine Life Protection Act, these MPAs celebrated their 10th anniversary […]