Our 2022 mid-year report is now available for download. We want to sincerely thank our 23 MPA Watch volunteers who collected data on Marin County beaches and at Corte Madera Marsh from January through June that informed this report.
EAC's MPA Watch program is part of a statewide network of organizations training volunteers to observe and collect data on human uses of coastal and marine resources both inside and outside of MPAs. MPA Watch data informs the management, enforcement, and science of California's MPAs and allows us insight on how human uses are changing as a result of MPA implementation. By involving local communities in this important work, MPA Watch programs inspire and empower stewardship, and educate California communities about ocean ecosystems.
Key Findings
Drakes Beach (Point Reyes State Marine Reserve): 27 surveys and a use rate of 10.9 activities per mile surveyed. This was an increase of 65% compared to the prior year. 97% of the observations were on-shore, non-consumptive (60% sandy beach recreation, 35% wildlife viewing, and 2% tidepooling). Offshore recreation included board sports. Less than 1% of observations were consumptive uses. One potential poaching violation was observed.
Limantour Beach (Control Site): 12 surveys a use rate of 13.8 activities per miles surveyed. This is a 6% decrease compared to 2021 (continued downward trend from 2020’s activity rate of 27.8 activities per mile). 98% of the observations were on-shore, non-consumptive uses (89% sandy beach recreation), and the remaining top non-consumptive activities include animals on (6%) and off leash (1%) and shore enforcement and paddle boarding. Consumptive observations-offshore unknown fishing was 1% of the total. 25 dogs were observed with only 5 off-leash.
Agate Beach & Duxbury Reef: 75 surveys and a use rate of 21.7 activities per mile surveyed. This is a decrease of 56% compared to the prior year’s rate of 49.7. Despite these decreases, Duxbury remains the highest use rate of all the MPAs monitored by Marin MPA Watch. 98% of observations were onshore, non-consumptive uses (45% tidepooling, 39% beach recreation). 110 potential violations were documented and and 5 reported to local or state agencies. This is a much greater number of violations than any other MPA survey site. 180 dogs were observed (88 on leash and 92 off-leash).
Following the release of the mid-year and annual reports, we share the information with our community, partners, and schedule meetings with resource managers.
