2025 training dates for Marine Protected Area (MPA) Watch
Dive into Marin County's Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) with the volunteer-based Marin MPA Watch!
This is a great opportunity for passionate individuals who want to help understand and protect our coast. By volunteering with us, you'll have a unique opportunity to explore breathtaking coastal environments while contributing to community science.
As an MPA Watch volunteer, you'll assist in gathering valuable data as you document human activities within these protected areas. Your surveys will directly contribute to the scientific understanding of how people use MPAs. The data informs management decisions that safeguard our marine ecosystems!
Our team will provide the training and guidance you need to become an empowered advocate for the ocean. By volunteering, you'll not only deepen your connection to our local marine environments but also join a community of like-minded individuals who share your passion for coastal conservation.
California’s Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in Marin County are specially designated ocean and coastal regions where human activity is managed to protect marine life, habitats, and cultural resources. These MPAs are part of the statewide Marine Life Protection Act (MLPA) network of 124 MPAs, established to safeguard California’s ocean health. Read more about Marin's MPA's below and volunteer for the Marin MPA Watch
Key Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in Coastal Marin County Monitored by MPA Watch
Drakes & Limantour Beaches, Point Reyes State Marine Reserve
Location: Off the southwestern shoreline of Point Reyes
Restrictions: No take of any living, geological, or cultural marine resource
Purpose: Protects a rich upwelling zone, vital for seabirds, marine mammals, and diverse fish populations
Drakes Estero State Marine Conservation Area
Location: Within Drakes Estero estuary, Point Reyes National Seashore
Restrictions: No take except recreational take of clams. *Note this MPA is pending a redesignation to become a full State Marine Reserve due to EAC's advocacy. Learn More!
Purpose: Protects important eelgrass beds, harbor seals, and estuarine ecosystems
Estero de Limantour State Marine Reserve
Location: Near Limantour Beach, Point Reyes National Seashore
Restrictions: No take of any living, geological, or cultural marine resource
Purpose: Protects estuarine and marsh habitats important for migratory birds and juvenile fish
Duxbury Reef State Marine Conservation Area
Location: Off the coast near Bolinas
Restrictions: No take except recreational hook and line and abalone (but abalone fishery is closed). *Note: EAC is seeking fully protected status and an expansion at this MPA.
Purpose: Home to one of the largest shale reefs in North America; critical intertidal habitat
MPAs Work!
Support marine biodiversity and fisheries sustainability.
Provide refuge for species like sea otters, harbor seals, rockfish, and kelp forests.
Enhance resilience to climate change.
Offer opportunities for research, education, and recreation.
These MPAs help ensure Marin’s coastal legacy — wild, thriving, and accessible — remains intact for future generations.