BREAKING! Good news: EAC's petition to turn Drakes Estero into a full marine reserve was approved unanimously at the California Fish and Game Commission meeting in Sacramento on December 11th.

What Does This Mean for Public Access?
The proposed change will not impact public access at all. You will still be able to enjoy the Estero by paddle or foot.

What will Change?

Once the regulation is changed, recreational clamming will no longer be allowed at this location, further protecting the marine biodiversity.

What Happened at the Meeting and What are the Next Steps?

A broad list of stakeholders spoke on the petition including environmental NGOs like Shark Stewards, Heal the Bay, All Waters Protect and Access Coalition, the National Park Service, and local community members.

EAC's Executive Director, Ashley Eagle-Gibbs, stated, "This change represents adaptively managing the unique marine wilderness area (the only marine wilderness on the West Coast south of Alaska) based on changed conditions including the end of commercial aquaculture at this location in 2014. The change in designation was recommended in 2008 by the Blue Ribbon panel during the MPA network planning process which stated, 'If at any time it becomes feasible to create an SMR at Drakes Estero, this proposal recommends doing so.'" This continues our legacy of working to protect this special place as a Marine Wilderness.

Commissioners expressed gratitude for the process and hard work of the Department of Fish and Wildlife and Fish and Game Commission staff. The decision is being touted as a strong example of effective collaboration. The next steps include two meetings related to the formal rulemaking, as well as exploring naming options for the reserve with tribal guidance.

Learn More:

Read our Most Recent Comment Letter
MPA Petitions at the Golden Gate Collaborative & Mapping
Advocacy for MPAs and Fisheries Management at the Fish and Game Commission