Laguna Beach Municipal Code Ch. 18.29 Marine Protected Areas

(a) California laws provide for the protection of the marine habitat and biological diversity found in California's ocean waters, including intertidal zones.

(b) The state of California has established marine protected areas to protect habitat and ecosystems, conserve biological diversity, provide a sanctuary for marine life, enhance recreational and educational opportunities, and provide scientific reference points to assist resource management decisions.

(c) Marine protected areas include state marine reserves, state marine parks, and state marine conservation areas.

(d) The following areas in the city of Laguna Beach have been designated as marine protected areas in accordance with applicable state laws:

(1) Laguna Beach State Marine Reserve;

(2) Laguna Beach State Marine Conservation Area; and

(3) Dana Point State Marine Conservation Area.

(Ord. 1729, 4/28/2026)

The city's marine safety department shall have and discharge the responsibilities of area manager for all of the marine protected areas located within the city limits.

(Ord. 1729, 4/28/2026)

No person shall take, possess or disturb specimens of live or dead intertidal marine animal or plant life, or willfully injure, destroy or alter marine intertidal zone habitats.

(Ord. 1729, 4/28/2026)

(a) The city manager or designee may require a special event permit for scientific research and/or collecting of specific organisms or objects in specific quantities within marine protected areas.

(b) Failure to notify the area manager or appropriate city authority of impending research may result in a citation or revocation of research and/or collection privileges.

(Ord. 1729, 4/28/2026)