Big Creek State Marine Reserve and Big Creek State Marine Conservation Area

The Big Creek marine protected areas extend across 22 square miles of California's central coast, featuring steep underwater canyons and kelp forests.

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife established Big Creek State Marine Reserve in 1994, followed by the Conservation Area's creation in 2007.

Native American tribes, including Esselen and Salinan peoples, maintained strong connections to these coastal waters through traditional fishing practices.

The Marine Reserve prohibits all fishing activities, while the Conservation Area permits specific commercial and recreational fishing of salmon and albacore.

The protected areas contain submarine canyons reaching depths of 2,300 feet, supporting numerous species of rockfish and providing shelter for sea otters.

GPS coordinates: 36.12222,-121.63333

Latest update: March 3, 2025 19:36