Edward F. Ricketts State Marine Conservation Area, Marine protected area in Monterey Bay, California.

Edward F. Ricketts State Marine Conservation Area covers 0.22 square miles (0.56 km²) off the Monterey Peninsula, directly offshore from the Monterey Bay Aquarium and Cannery Row. It is the easternmost of four marine protected areas bordering the peninsula, bounded by straight lines and the mean high tide line back to the Monterey Harbor breakwater. Within it, fishing and taking of all living marine resources is prohibited except recreational finfish by hook-and-line and commercial take of giant and bull kelp under certain conditions.

Edward F. Ricketts State Marine Conservation Area was established in September 2007 by the California Department of Fish & Game, one of 29 marine protected areas adopted in the first phase of the Marine Life Protection Act Initiative. That initiative created a statewide network of protected areas along the California coastline.

The area takes its name from Edward F. Ricketts, a marine researcher who spent decades studying the creatures and ecosystems of Monterey Bay. His work helped people understand how ocean life is interconnected and why these waters need protection.

Visitors can explore the shoreline and observe marine life, especially at low tide when more rocks and tide pools become visible. Binoculars help you spot seals, sea lions, and otters from a distance without disturbing them.

The reserve lies directly offshore from the Monterey Bay Aquarium and Cannery Row, and it is the easternmost of the four marine protected areas bordering the Monterey Peninsula. It was named for Edward F. Ricketts (1897–1948), who founded the Pacific Biological Laboratories in Monterey.