Carmel Pinnacles State Marine Reserve facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Carmel Pinnacles State Marine Reserve |
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Feather Duster Worm - Lingcod Reef, Carmel Bay
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| Area | 1,470 sq mi (3,800 km2) |
| Established | 1980 |
| Governing body | California Department of Fish and Game |
The Carmel Pinnacles State Marine Reserve (SMR) is a special underwater area in Carmel Bay. It protects amazing ocean features like tall underwater rock formations called pinnacles. It also has thick kelp forests, deep underwater canyons, and surfgrass. Carmel Bay is right next to the city of Carmel-by-the-Sea and close to Monterey on California’s central coast.
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Protecting Our Ocean: A Look at Carmel Pinnacles
The Carmel Pinnacles State Marine Reserve was created in September 2007. The California Department of Fish & Game helped set it up. This reserve was one of the first 29 marine protected areas (MPAs) made during the first part of the Marine Life Protection Act Initiative.
What is the Marine Life Protection Act Initiative?
The Marine Life Protection Act Initiative (MLPAI) is a big effort. It brings people together to create a network of protected ocean areas all along California's coast. Think of it like a system of national parks, but for the ocean! These areas help protect marine life and ocean habitats.
Size and Location of the Reserve
This special ocean reserve covers about 0.53 square miles. It protects the ocean from the high tide line out into the bay.
How Scientists Study the Ocean at Carmel Pinnacles
Scientists are watching the marine protected areas along California's coast. They want to see how well these areas are working. They also want to learn more about the health of our oceans. Studies in other protected areas have already shown that fish are growing bigger and there are more of them.
What is Protected Here?
The Carmel Pinnacles State Marine Reserve protects all marine life within its borders. This means it is against the rules to fish or take any living ocean creatures from this area.
Who is Helping to Monitor the Reserve?
Many local science and education groups are helping to study the reserve. These include Stanford University’s Hopkins Marine Station and the University of California Santa Cruz. They use different ways to study the ocean. Scientists might use fishing lines to catch and release fish. They also do surveys by diving or exploring the areas between the tides. Sometimes, they even use special underwater robots called Remote Operated Vehicles (ROVs)!
Fun Things to Do Near Carmel Pinnacles
The Carmel Pinnacles State Marine Reserve is close to other cool ocean spots. These include the Carmel Bay State Marine Conservation Area and the Point Lobos State Marine Reserve. Carmel Bay is a fantastic place for ocean fun! Many divers and kayakers love to visit. They come to see the unique rock formations, granite reefs, and kelp forests. The city of Carmel-by-the-Sea is also famous for its beautiful white sand beach.
Explore the Monterey Bay Aquarium
In nearby Monterey, you can visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium. It's a very popular place! The aquarium has a huge living kelp forest that is 28 feet tall. This exhibit shows many of the same animals you might find in the nearby protected ocean areas. You can also see sea otters, tide pool creatures, and sometimes even sea turtles!
Ocean Activities Allowed in Protected Areas
California’s marine protected areas encourage people to enjoy and learn about the ocean. You can go kayaking, diving, snorkeling, and swimming in these areas. Just be sure to check for any special rules that might apply.
