Moro Cojo Slough State Marine Reserve facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Moro Cojo Estuary State Marine Reserve |
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| Established | 2007 |
| Governing body | California Department of Fish and Game |
The Moro Cojo Estuary State Marine Reserve (SMR) is a special ocean area. It was created to protect the amazing animals and their homes in Moro Cojo Slough. This slough is found inland from Monterey Bay on the central coast of California. It's located just south of the more famous Elkhorn Slough.
This protected area covers about 0.46 square miles (1.19 square kilometers). The SMR keeps all marine life safe within its borders. This means that fishing and taking any living marine resources are not allowed here.
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A Look at Its History
The Moro Cojo SMR was officially created in September 2007. The California Fish and Game Commission made this decision. It was one of 29 marine protected areas set up during the first part of the Marine Life Protection Act Initiative.
The Marine Life Protection Act Initiative (MLPAI) is a big project. It brings people together to create a network of protected ocean areas. These areas are found all along the California coastline. The main goal of Moro Cojo SMR is to protect all living marine resources within its boundaries.
Where It Is: Geography and Features
Moro Cojo SMR is located near other important wildlife spots. These include the Moss Landing State Wildlife Area. It's also close to the Elkhorn Slough State Marine Reserve and the Elkhorn Slough State Marine Conservation Area.
The Moro Cojo SMR includes the waters within Moro Cojo Slough. These waters are below the average high tide line. They stretch east from the Highway 1 Bridge. The protected area ends west of where the Southern Pacific railroad tracks cross.
Amazing Habitats and Wildlife
Moro Cojo Slough has rare habitats where fresh and salt water mix. These special places support species that are considered threatened. The types of habitats you can find here include mudflats. There are also winding tidal creeks and channels.
Moro Cojo and the nearby Elkhorn sloughs are home to many creatures all year long. These animals and plants love living in estuaries. You might see plants like pickleweed and eelgrass. There are also oysters, gaper clams, and longjaw mudsuckers. Important visitors also come here during certain seasons. These include migrating shorebirds, sea otters, and even sharks and rays.
Fun Things to Do Nearby
The nearby Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve is a great place to visit. The Elkhorn Slough Foundation helps manage this area. They offer education and care for the slough. You can explore about 5 miles (8 kilometers) of trails. There's also a Visitor Center and chances to volunteer.
Also close by is the Moss Landing Wildlife Area. This area protects 728 acres (2.95 square kilometers) of salt ponds and salt marsh. Some fun activities are allowed within this Wildlife Area.
California’s marine protected areas encourage people to enjoy the ocean. You can go kayaking, diving, snorkeling, and swimming. These activities are usually allowed unless there are specific rules against them.
Scientists at Work: Monitoring the Reserve
The Marine Life Protection Act requires scientists to monitor certain areas. They study marine protected areas along California’s central coast. This helps them see how well the protection works. They also learn more about the health of our oceans.
Similar studies have been done in protected areas near the Santa Barbara Channel Islands. These studies have already shown good results. Scientists have seen a gradual increase in the size and number of fish there.
