Place

Sign: Marine Protected Areas Santa Rosa Island

Graphic showing map of island with marine protected zones.
Sign: Marine Protected Areas Santa Rosa Island

Quick Facts

The California Channel Islands shelter some of the richest marine ecosystems in the world and have been set aside as both a National Park and a National Marine Sanctuary. A network of 13 Marine Protected Areas covering 318 square miles (240 square nautical miles) have been established by the State of California and the federal government to provide a refuge for sea life.

Marine Protected Area Regulations
Diving, surfing, swimming, and boating are allowed within Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) but fishing is restricted. Anchoring and transit through MPAs with catch onboard is allowed, so long as fishing gear is stowed and not in use. Santa Rosa Island MPAs include:

Santa Rosa Island Marine Reserves
Prohibit take of all living, geological, or cultural resources.

Santa Rosa Island Special Closure
Sandy Point area beaches closed year round. Skunk Point area beaches closed March 1 through September 15.

Channel Islands National Park

Last updated: May 7, 2021