Sea Lion Cove State Marine Conservation Area facts for kids
The Sea Lion Cove State Marine Conservation Area (SMCA) is a special ocean area that helps protect sea life. It's located right on the coast, just south of Point Arena in Mendocino County, California. This protected area covers about 0.22 square miles. In the Sea Lion Cove SMCA, people are not allowed to catch or collect sea creatures like crabs, starfish, or plants like seaweed for fun or for selling. But they can fish for other types of fish.
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How Sea Lion Cove Became Protected
The Sea Lion Cove SMCA is one of 22 special ocean areas created in August 2009. This happened during the second part of the Marine Life Protection Act Initiative (MLPAI). The MLPAI is a big project where people work together to create a network of protected areas all along California's coast.
Who Helped Create These Areas?
Local divers, fishermen, conservationists (people who protect nature), and scientists worked together. They formed a group called the North Central Coast Regional Stakeholder Group. Their job was to design a network of protected areas. They wanted to protect sensitive sea life and their homes. They also wanted to make sure people could still enjoy the ocean for fun, learning, and studying.
When Did the Rules Start?
The new marine protected areas along California's north central coast officially started on May 1, 2010.
Where is Sea Lion Cove Located?
Sea Lion Cove SMCA is a marine protected area right on the coast. It's just south of Point Arena in Mendocino County, California. This protected area is next to the Point Arena State Marine Reserve & Point Arena State Marine Conservation Area at its southern edge.
What is Point Arena Like?
Point Arena is a piece of land that sticks out about half a mile into the Pacific Ocean. The famous Point Arena Lighthouse is located here. A rock called Arena Rock is also found offshore. Manchester State Beach starts just north of Point Arena. It stretches for five miles. Schooner Gulch State Beach is about three miles south of Point Arena.
How Do We Know the Exact Borders?
The Sea Lion Cove SMCA is bordered by the high tide line. It also has straight lines connecting specific points in the ocean. These points are like corners of a box on a map.
- 38°56.40′N 123°43.82′W / 38.94000°N 123.73033°W
- 38°56.40′N 123°44.00′W / 38.94000°N 123.73333°W
- 38°55.79′N 123°44.00′W / 38.92983°N 123.73333°W
- 38°55.79′N 123°43.74′W / 38.92983°N 123.72900°W
Ocean Life and Habitats
Point Arena is one of the main "upwelling zones" along the West Coast of the U.S. This means that cold, nutrient-rich water from deep in the ocean rises to the surface here. These nutrients are like food for tiny ocean plants. These plants then feed fish and other sea creatures. This makes it a great place for ocean life to thrive.
What Animals Live Here?
Sea Lion Cove is a very beautiful spot. It's known as a nursery for abalone, which are large sea snails. Many other invertebrate animals, like crabs and sea stars, also live here. Sadly, some of these animal groups have become vulnerable because more people can now visit this area. The Sea Lion Cove SMCA helps protect these delicate abalone and the whole intertidal ecosystem. The intertidal zone is the area between high and low tides.
Fun Things to Do and See Nearby
Point Arena and Arena Rock are popular spots for divers. The Point Arena Lighthouse was first built in 1870. It was rebuilt after a big earthquake in 1906. The tower still has its original Fresnel Lens. This special lens makes a light beam that ships can see up to 20 miles (37 km) out at sea.
Nearby Beaches to Explore
Manchester State Beach is the longest sandy beach north of Bodega Bay. It's a great place for fishing. You can also see impressive piles of giant driftwood logs there. If you visit Alder Creek or the Garcia River within Manchester, you might see groups of harbor porpoises playing. You could also spot steelhead fish swimming upstream to lay eggs or waterfowl spending the winter.
Schooner Gulch State Beach is three miles (5 km) south of Point Arena. You can find it where Schooner Gulch Road meets State Highway 1. There are two trails there. One leads to Schooner Gulch Beach, and the other goes to Bowling Ball Beach. Fun activities include surfing, fishing, and having picnics.
What Activities Are Allowed?
Remember, Sea Lion Cove SMCA does not allow catching or collecting invertebrates, algae, or other plants. But you can fish for other types of fish. California's marine protected areas encourage people to enjoy the ocean for fun and learning. Activities like kayaking, diving, snorkeling, and swimming are usually allowed. However, always check for any specific rules or restrictions.
Studying the Ocean
Scientists are carefully watching certain marine protected areas along California's central coast. This is part of the Marine Life Protection Act. They want to see how well these areas are working. They also want to learn more about the health of our oceans. Similar studies have already happened in marine protected areas near the Santa Barbara Channel Islands. These studies have shown that fish are slowly getting bigger and there are more of them. This means the protected areas are helping!
