South Humboldt Bay State Marine Recreational Management Area

Overview

Humboldt Bay, California’s second largest estuary, is one of the most significant eelgrass bed locations on the U.S. West Coast. It contains some of the most dynamic and productive ecosystems in California. The South Humboldt Bay State Marine Recreational Management Area (SMRMA) lies northwest of Table Bluff. It covers just under one square mile of estuary habitat, including eelgrass beds, intertidal mudflats, and coastal marsh. Topsmelt, surfperch, sculpins, crabs, and clams abound, and birds like the Pacific black brant and surf scoter are common. Visitors to this SMRMA are welcome to go boating, kayaking, rowing, paddle boarding, waterfowl hunting, and wildlife viewing.

Regulations

It is unlawful to injure, damage, take, or possess any living, geological, or cultural marine resource, EXCEPT:
Take of waterfowl in accordance with general waterfowl hunting regulations is allowed. Includes take exemptions for the following tribe:

• Wiyot Tribe

California Code of Regulations Title 14, Section 632(b)(9)California Code of Regulations Title 14, Section 632(b)(9)(opens in new tab)