Lovers Point-Julia Platt State Marine Reserve, and Edward F. Ricketts State Marine Conservation Area

Tucked away on the east-facing side of the Monterey Peninsula, Lovers Point-Julia Platt SMR and Edward F. Ricketts SMCA are protected from the ocean swell that can batter the surrounding coastline. The MPAs are primarily dominated by rocky intertidal areas, eelgrass beds, nearshore kelp forest, and occasional patches of sandy seafloor. Farther offshore in Monterey Bay lies the Monterey Canyon, a submarine canyon that reaches nearly 12,000 feet at its deepest point, almost twice as deep as the Grand Canyon. Upwelling causes cold, nutrient-rich waters to rise from the depths of the canyon, creating a remarkably productive ecosystem. These nutrient-rich waters teem with krill at certain times of the year, with phytoplankton and zooplankton serving as the base of the food chain.

Schools of northern anchovies visit the area seasonally, as do other baitfish that are prey for larger fish, seabirds, and marine mammals. In the kelp forests, sea urchins and bat stars can be found feeding on kelp fronds. California sheephead pry their hard-shelled prey off rocks, while swell sharks and California halibut forage along the sandy seafloor. From small invertebrates to blue whales, Monterey Bay is home to an impressive array of marine life.

For centuries, Native American Tribes in California have relied on marine and coastal resources. 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. The Monterey Peninsula has a long history of human residence; the Ohlone peoples have occupied the area for thousands of years. The Ohlone traditionally subsisted on the abundant marine and terrestrial resources in Monterey, collecting abalone, urchins, limpets, and seaweeds in rocky intertidal areas.

The first European visitor to the area was the Spanish explorer Sebastian Vizcaino, who named the area Bahia de Monterey when he anchored his fleet in the calm waters near Lovers Point during his search for a northwest passage across the continent. In the period following Vizcaino’s brief visit, Monterey remained free from significant European influence until the Portola Expedition of 1769, and beginning of the Mission Era of California. The construction of Mission Carmel on the southern side of the Monterey Peninsula occurred one year later in 1770. In the early 1850s, Chinese immigrants brought sophisticated fishing techniques to the area and Monterey emerged as a thriving fishing port. Commercial fisheries for abalone, rockfish, flatfish, sardines, and squid expanded. The canneries brought further commercialization, with Monterey adopting the name "The Sardine Capital of the World".

Between 1915 and 1950, roughly 235,000 tons of sardine were harvested from Monterey Bay annually, until the fishery collapsed for a variety of reasons. Similar collapses of other fish stocks resulted in more stringent regulations. Conservation efforts gained momentum, leading to the creation of Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. Lovers Point-Julia Platt SMR and Edward F. Ricketts SMCA were two of 29 MPAs adopted in 2007 along California’s central coast.

These MPAs lie within Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, which covers more than 6,000 square miles. One of the best ways to explore the MPAs is by getting out on the water. The area is popular for kayaking, fishing, and diving, with easy access available at many small, protected beaches bordering the MPAs, and at nearby Monterey Harbor.

Kayak rentals are available along the waterfront, and for those bringing their own watercraft, kayaks and boats can be launched at the nearby harbor. Recreational fishing for finfish using hook-and-line is allowed in Edward F. Ricketts SMCA, so anglers can come to this stretch of coast near Pacific Grove to wet their lines in hopes of catching lingcod, cabezon, kelp greenling, and more.

The Monterey Bay Aquarium borders the MPAs and maintains exhibits featuring the environments found in Monterey Bay, offering a unique opportunity to view and learn about the world beneath the waves. With the MPAs' location skirting the heart of Monterey, restaurants, lodging, and other amenities are within easy reach.

Lovers Point-Julia Platt SMR

This area is bounded by the mean high tide line and straight lines connecting the following points in the order listed:

36° 37.100′ N. lat. 121° 54.093′ W. long.;
36° 37.250′ N. lat. 121° 53.780′ W. long.;
36° 37.380′ N. lat. 121° 53.850′ W. long.;
36° 37.600′ N. lat. 121° 54.750′ W. long.; and
36° 37.600′ N. lat. 121° 54.919′ W. long.

California Code of Regulations Title 14, Section 632(b)(76)

Edward F. Ricketts SMCA

This area is bounded by the mean high tide line and straight lines connecting the following points in the order listed:

36° 36.508′ N. lat. 121° 53.379′ W. long.;
36° 37.250′ N. lat. 121° 53.780′ W. long.; and
36° 37.100′ N. lat. 121° 54.093′ W. long.

California Code of Regulations Title 14, Section 632(b)(75)

Downloads for Lovers Point-Julia Platt State Marine Reserve

Map

Facts, Map & Regulations

Downloads for Edward F. Ricketts State Marine Conservation Area

Map

Facts, Map & Regulations