Sonoma Coast State Marine Conservation Area, Marine conservation area in Sonoma County, California, US.

The Sonoma Coast State Marine Conservation Area is a protected marine zone in Sonoma County, California, bounded by the mean high tide line, the 3-fathom depth contour and points along 3 miles (4.8 km) of coast between Mussel Point and Schoolhouse Beach. Within it, recreational taking of all marine aquatic plants and some invertebrates is prohibited, as is commercial taking of giant kelp and bull kelp.

The area was established in 2010 to protect marine ecosystems along California's coast from overfishing and habitat damage. Its creation marked an important step in safeguarding underwater resources in this region.

The area lies off Sonoma County between Mussel Point and Schoolhouse Beach, a three-mile stretch bounded by the mean high tide line and the 3-fathom depth contour. Within it, recreational collecting of all marine aquatic plants and some invertebrates is banned, as is commercial harvesting of giant kelp and bull kelp.

Fishing is strictly limited in this area, and collecting marine plants or certain invertebrate species is prohibited. Check local regulations before visiting to understand what activities are allowed where you plan to go.

Underwater surveys using remote cameras reveal unusually dense populations of brown rockfish clustered around these rocky reefs. This concentration of fish here is higher than what researchers find in other protected marine areas along California's coast.