Double Point/Stormy Stack Rock Special Closure and Point Resistance Rock Special Closure

Like state and national parks protect wildlife and habitats on land, marine protected areas (MPAs) conserve and restore wildlife and habitats in our ocean. Under the California Marine Life Protection Act (MLPA) passed in 1999, California began a historic effort to establish a science-based, statewide network of MPAs through a collaborative effort that includes the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and California State Parks. California is taking a regional approach to the design and implementation of MPAs, and has divided the state into five regions: the north coast, south coast, north central coast, central coast and San Francisco Bay.

MPAs contribute to healthier, more resilient ocean ecosystems that can better withstand a wide range of impacts such as pollution and climate change. By protecting entire ecosystems rather than focusing on a single species, MPAs are powerful tools for conserving and restoring ocean biodiversity, and protecting cultural resources, while allowing certain activities such as marine recreation and research. There is a global body of scientific evidence about the effectiveness of marine protected areas and reserves to restore marine ecosystems (http://www.piscoweb.org).

In the waters adjacent to Samuel P Taylor State Park there are two Special Closures, Double Point/Stormy Stack Rock Special Closure and Point Resistance Rock Special Closure

  • Double Point/Stormy Stack Rock Special Closure
    • Boundaries:
      From the mean lower low tide line to a distance of 300 feet seaward of any shoreline of Stormy Stack Rock, located in the vicinity of 37° 56.83' N. lat. 122° 47.14' W. long.
    • Stormy Stack is an offshore rock near Double Point within Point Reyes National Seashore. This offshore rock is near the northern limit of Ashy Storm-Petrels’ breeding habitat. All human activity is prohibited within 300 feet of Stormy Stack Rock, year-round.
    • Permitted/Prohibited Uses: Take of all living marine resources is prohibited
    • Other Regulations:
      • No person shall enter the area, except for agencies identified in Title 14 Section 632 CCR, when performing their official duties.
  • Point Resistance Rock Special Closure
    • Boundaries:
      From the mean lower low tide line to a distance of 300 feet seaward of any shoreline of Point Resistance Rock, located in the vicinity of 37° 59.92' N. lat. 122° 49.75' W. long
    • Point Resistance Rock is an offshore rock just north of Kelham Beach in Point Reyes National Seashore. This rock is home to six species of breeding seabirds. This Special Closure protects resting and breeding seabirds. All human activity is prohibited within 300 feet of Point Resistance Rock, year-round.
    • Permitted/Prohibited Uses: Take of all living marine resources is prohibited.
    • Other Regulations:
      1. No person shall enter the area, except for agencies identified in Title 14 Section 632 CCR, when performing their official duties.

This information does not replace the official regulatory language found in California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Section 632, including commercial allowances and restrictions.

  • A fishing license is required for any fishing.
  • All existing take regulations still apply in addition to the ones listed above.
  • Unless otherwise stated, all non-consumptive recreational activities are allowed.

Additional Resources:

For additional information on MPAs please visit the California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s website: https://www.wildlife.ca.gov/MPA

For resources related to MPAs, please visit the Marine Protected Areas Education and Outreach Initiative’s website: http://www.californiampas.org/