Overview
Carrington Point State Marine Reserve (SMR) sits southwest of Santa Barbara on the north side of Santa Rosa Island, the second largest of California’s Channel Islands. Protecting nearly 13 square miles of coastal ecosystems, this SMR is home to surfgrass beds, kelp forests, and offshore sandy seafloors. This marine protected area (MPA) protects four miles of rocky shoreline, an excellent habitat for seabirds as well as invertebrates like mussels, anemones, and barnacles.
The cold, nutrient-rich waters surrounding the island help sustain a diverse web of marine life. Within the reserve, pelagic fish like tuna and mackerel, sea lions and seals, and extensive kelp forests full of kelp bass, giant sea bass, California sheephead, and California spiny lobster may be found. Although not out of reach, visiting this MPA requires a three-hour boat ride from Ventura Harbor.
Regulations
It is unlawful to injure, damage, take, or possess any living, geological, or cultural marine resource.
California Code of Regulations Title 14, Section 632(b)(105)(opens in new tab)
Quick Facts
MPA size: 12.78 square miles
Shoreline span: 4.8 miles
Depth range: 0 to 211 feet
Habitat composition:
- Rock: 5.04 square miles
- Sand/mud: 10.31 square miles