Duxbury Reef State Marine Conservation Area
Encyclopedia
Duxbury Reef State Marine Conservation Area (SMCA) is a marine protected area
located about 1 mile (2 km) west of Bolinas in Marin County on California
’s north central coast. This marine protected area covers 0.66 square miles (1.7 km²). Duxbury Reef SMCA prohibits the take of all living marine resources, except the recreational take of finfish from shore only and the recreational take of abalone.
in August 2009, during the second phase of the Marine Life Protection Act Initiative
. The MLPAI is a collaborative public process to create a statewide network of protected areas along California’s coastline.
The north central coast’s new marine protected areas were designed by local divers, fishermen,conservationists and scientists who comprised the North Central Coast Regional Stakeholder Group. Their job was to design a network of protected areas that would preserve sensitive sea life and habitats while enhancing recreation, study and education opportunities.
The north central coast marine protected areas took effect May 1, 2010.
, within the Point Reyes National Seashore
.
The Duxbury Reef SMCA is bounded by the mean high tide line, a distance of 1000 feet (304.8 m) seaward of mean lower low water and the following points:
Duxbury Reef SMCA prohibits the take of all living marine resources, except the recreational take of finfish from shore only and the recreational take of abalone. However, California’s marine protected areas encourage recreational and educational uses of the ocean. Activities such as kayaking, diving, snorkeling, and swimming are allowed unless otherwise restricted.
Marine Protected Area
Marine Protected Areas, like any protected area, are regions in which human activity has been placed under some restrictions in the interest of conserving the natural environment, it's surrounding waters and the occupant ecosystems, and any cultural or historical resources that may require...
located about 1 mile (2 km) west of Bolinas in Marin County on California
California
California is a state located on the West Coast of the United States. It is by far the most populous U.S. state, and the third-largest by land area...
’s north central coast. This marine protected area covers 0.66 square miles (1.7 km²). Duxbury Reef SMCA prohibits the take of all living marine resources, except the recreational take of finfish from shore only and the recreational take of abalone.
History
Duxbury Reef SMCA is one of 21 marine protected areas adopted by the California Department of Fish and GameCalifornia Department of Fish and Game
The California Department of Fish and Game is a department within the government of California, falling under its parent California Natural Resources Agency. The Department of Fish and Game manages and protects the state's diverse fish, wildlife, plant resources, and native habitats...
in August 2009, during the second phase of the Marine Life Protection Act Initiative
Marine Life Protection Act
The Marine Life Protection Act was passed in 1999 and is part of the California Fish and Game Code. The MLPA requires California to reevaluate all existing marine protected areas and potentially design new MPAs that together function as a statewide network. The MLPA has clear guidance associated...
. The MLPAI is a collaborative public process to create a statewide network of protected areas along California’s coastline.
The north central coast’s new marine protected areas were designed by local divers, fishermen,conservationists and scientists who comprised the North Central Coast Regional Stakeholder Group. Their job was to design a network of protected areas that would preserve sensitive sea life and habitats while enhancing recreation, study and education opportunities.
The north central coast marine protected areas took effect May 1, 2010.
Geography and natural features
Duxbury Reef SMCA is a marine protected area located about 1 mile (2 km) west of Bolinas in Marin County on California’s north central coast. Duxbury Reef is one of the largest shale reefs in North America and lies north of San Francisco’s Golden Gate BridgeGolden Gate Bridge
The Golden Gate Bridge is a suspension bridge spanning the Golden Gate, the opening of the San Francisco Bay into the Pacific Ocean. As part of both U.S. Route 101 and California State Route 1, the structure links the city of San Francisco, on the northern tip of the San Francisco Peninsula, to...
, within the Point Reyes National Seashore
Point Reyes National Seashore
Point Reyes National Seashore is a park preserve located on the Point Reyes Peninsula in Marin County, California, USA. As a national seashore, it is maintained by the US National Park Service as a nationally important nature preserve within which existing agricultural uses are allowed to continue...
.
The Duxbury Reef SMCA is bounded by the mean high tide line, a distance of 1000 feet (304.8 m) seaward of mean lower low water and the following points:
- 37°55.52′N 122°44.17′W
- 37°55.42′N 122°44.31′W
- 37°53.65′N 122°41.91′W and
- 37°53.77′N 122°42.02′W.
Habitat and wildlife
With one of the largest shale reefs in North America, Duxbury Reef contains various habitats including rocky and soft bottom, shallow rocky reefs and bull kelp beds. These habitats are home to many fish, marine mammal and seabird populations, including white sharks. They also host diverse marine invertebrate and algae populations. The Duxbury Reef SMCA will offer increased protections to these benthic species in a heritage area, while allowing traditional access.Recreation and nearby attractions
Through a haze of salty fog, visitors can see, hear, smell and even feel the thunderous ocean breakers washing over long sandy beaches and crashing into rocky cliffs. Point Reyes National Seashore covers over 100 square miles (259 km²) and includes 3300 acres (13.4 km²) of coastal wilderness area. The undeveloped coastline stretches for 80 miles (128.7 km). Extensive recreational activities include hiking, biking, camping and wildlife viewing. Kayaking in nearby Bolinas Lagoon or surfing at Bolinas or Stinson Beach are also popular activities. There are three visitor centers and extensive ranger-led programs.Duxbury Reef SMCA prohibits the take of all living marine resources, except the recreational take of finfish from shore only and the recreational take of abalone. However, California’s marine protected areas encourage recreational and educational uses of the ocean. Activities such as kayaking, diving, snorkeling, and swimming are allowed unless otherwise restricted.