Arrow Point to Lion Head Point State Marine Conservation Area

The narrow stretch of coast within the SMCA protects nearshore tidepools, rocky shores, beaches, and hidden bays. Small coves and sandy beaches, such as Sullivan's Beach and the aptly named Sandy Beach in Emerald Bay, feature the occasional rocks and jagged boulders. The sandy seafloor is inhabited by clams, orange phoronid worms, California halibut, and bat rays. Farther offshore, sand transitions to eelgrass beds where pipefish swim amongst the long, swaying shoots. Clusters of rocks and boulders create reef habitat with nooks, ledges, and crevices that make great hiding places for invertebrates. Common invertebrates include octopi, lobsters, abalone, and urchins. Aggregations of blue-banded gobies, garibaldi, and colorful gorgonian sea fans add vibrancy to the reefs. Schools of jack mackerel and anchovies circle the rocky submerged outcroppings, which transition to kelp forests.

Indian Rock, a small islet formed by rocky reefs, is located within the SMCA in Emerald Bay. In addition to being a famous dive site, Indian Rock serves as a sanctuary for seabirds. Brown pelicans and Brandt's cormorants can be spotted taking flight from Indian Rock, while birds such as western grebes nest on the pinnacle.

Native American Tribes in California have relied on marine and coastal resources for centuries. Many Native American Tribes in California continue to regularly harvest marine resources within their ancestral territories and maintain relationships with the coast for ongoing customary uses. Originally inhabited by Native Americans known as the Tongva, Santa Catalina Island, also known as Pimugna or Pimu by these first peoples, provided abundant resources for permanent villages for thousands of years. Ancient tools hand-fashioned from stone, shell, and bone, and piles of abalone shells have been found lying outside of caves.

Arrow Point to Lion Head Point SMCA is rich with recreational opportunities. Howlands Landing Road runs near the shoreline of much of the southeastern end of the SMCA, providing easy access from shore. At the southern end, a picnic area and restrooms are available at Lion Head Point. Although no camping is available, campsites can be found around the corner from Arrow Point at Parson's Landing.

The various protected coves and bays within the SMCA boast world-renowned snorkeling and diving. Indian Rock, just offshore at Emerald Bay, is a frequent stop for scuba diving tours. For the boating community, there are several mooring and anchorage sites that are managed by Catalina Island Company and can be reserved through their website. With the exception of invertebrates, all recreational take is allowed in accordance with current regulations in Arrow Point to Lion Head Point SMCA.

Coordinates

This area is bounded by the mean high tide line to a distance of 1,000 feet seaward of the mean lower low tide line of any shoreline southeastward of a line connecting the following two points:

33° 28.652′ N. lat. 118° 32.310′ W. long.; and
33° 28.820′ N. lat. 118° 32.310′ W. long.
and northwestward of a line connecting the following two points:
33° 27.240′ N. lat. 118° 29.900′ W. long.; and
33° 27.174′ N. lat. 118° 30.089′ W. long.

California Code of Regulations Title 14, Section 632(b)(123)

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