Environmentalnudes.com

Feature of the Month 

October-December  2014

 

California ’s Marine Protected Areas: 

Point Lobos and Beyond

 


Point Lobos State Reserve

 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

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