Bodega Marine Reserve

Bodega Marine Reserve is a protected coastal area in Sonoma County featuring high cliffs, sandy beaches, and grasslands that span approximately 362 acres along the Pacific Ocean. The shoreline contains different habitats including rocky areas, tide pools, and salt marshes that together form a complex ecosystem.

The reserve was established by the University of California to protect and study the diverse coastal ecosystems of Northern California. This decision allowed researchers to observe long-term environmental changes in this region over many years.

Scientists and students from the University of California conduct research on marine life, geology, and environmental changes within the reserve boundaries.

Access to the reserve is restricted and requires prior permission from the University of California since it functions as an active research site. Visitors should be aware that natural hazards like sharks and mountain lions are present and coastal conditions can be harsh.

The reserve sits near the San Andreas Fault and displays unusual geological formations shaped by tectonic activity. This feature makes it an important place to understand how geology influences coastal ecology.