Scarlet
or flaming orange colored, the Garibaldi
serves as the official state marine fish. Protected along the
California
coast, it may be found in shallow waters or up to depths of near 100 ft
typically near reefs or along rocky bottoms. Native territory ranges
from
Monterey
Bay
in the north to
Baja California
in the south, inclusive of subtropical parts of the
Northeast Pacific Ocean
. A member of the damselfish family, the Garibaldi was named after an
Italian military official whose followers favored and dressed in similar
color orange/red.
At
the forefront of environmentalism,
California
became the first state in the nation to develop a network of underwater
parks or Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) encompassing a regional approach.
At its core lies a 1,100 mile coastline divided into major northern,
central and southern
California
regions. Underwater parks help conserve the natural diversity and
abundance of marine life, along with the structure and integrity of
unique ecosystems. Improving education or study opportunities, as well
as recreation, proved yet another goal in their formation.
The 29 MPAs
on the
Central
Coast
comprise the first of five overall regions established.
California
began setting aside underwater areas for protection in 1960. Point
Lobos State Reserve subsequently became the first underwater park in
the nation. Its original name comes from the Spanish, who upon early
exploration discovered an abundance of what were referred to as sea
wolves or lobos.
Rugged
shoreline features a number of small caves accessible to scuba divers
(by reservation permit only) in calm seas. Divers enter the underwater
reserve at Whaler’s Cove, which has setup some informative displays.
Included in Point Lobos State Reserve is
Guillemot
Island
– home to 1,000’s of birds – and numerous pinnacles off shore.
Mineral rich waters from nearby 1,000 ft deep
Carmel
Submarine
Canyon
rise up to join more shallow waters of the caves. Formations of natural
kelp forests flourish in coastal areas.
Located
roughly 4 miles south of
Carmel
, wild winds and pounding surf have sculpted the caves, tide pools and
jutting points of the shoreline along Point Lobos State Reserve.
The Point Lobos perimeter hike – paired with possible side
trips in route – takes almost all day over varied terrain terrain. Sea
otters, sea lions, harbor seals and other animal friends make this
locale their year around habitat. Migrating whales pass by off shore
during winter months. Over 200 bird species are reported being sited
within park boundaries.
Picturesque
Monterey Cypress inspired some of Ansel Adams most memorable black and
white photographs. A coastal wonderland, here at the edge of the
continent environmental diversity abounds. A climb to the top of
Jacks
Peak
- at elevation 1,068 feet the highest point on the
Monterey
peninsula - enables an exceptional awe inspiring view of Point Lobos and
beyond.
Garibaldi
adults maintain and thrive in their home territory. Careful if you’re a
diver: like other damselfish, during their mating season bold males are
known to attack / bite much larger swimming creatures including humans.
Youngsters may have blue spots, which they outgrow upon maturity. Dramatic
scenery and beautiful aquatic life stay largely protected in
California
’s underwater parks. Point
Lobos State Reserve offers its visitors many marvels.
There’s always time for relaxing at one of the beaches, watching the sun
set over the Pacific. Although a rare sight, fortuitous timing and a vivid
imagination might even conjure up a superbly crafted mermaid or two, more
than eager to delight the senses…
Bellisima!
-
Palmira
August-September
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