Anacapa Island
Location Summary
Anacapa Island lies twelve miles off the California coast and includes the Anacapa Island State Marine Reserve (SMR). Akin to all SMRs in the statewide network, no marine resources may be taken from Anacapa Island SMR. With over 10 years of protection within the boundaries of the reserve, marine life flourishes. Giant kelp forests set the stage for an incredible display of marine life. Shoals of fish cover the reef, spiny lobster are found in rocky crevices, seals and sea lions hunt for their next meal, and bat rays fly over the sandy bottom.
Although this SMR is close to the mainland, persistent monitoring of this important marine environment can be challenging. An M2 system on Anacapa Island will increase our understanding of the overall human use with the SMR, as well as strategic use of enforcment resources.
