Point Dume State Marine Conservation Area (SMCA) and Point Dume State Marine Reserve (SMR) are two adjoining marine protected areas that extend offshore in Los Angeles County on California’s south coast. Together, the areas cover 23.28 square miles, protecting natural habitats and marine life by protecting or limiting removal of wildlife from within their boundaries. Point Dume SMR prohibits the taking of all living marine resource. In Point Dume SMCA, the taking of all living marine resources is prohibited except: pelagic finfish, including white seabass and bonito, may be taken by recreational spearfishing, and swordfish may be taken by commercial harpoon. Sardines, anchovies, mackerel, and market squid may be taken by commercial roundhaul net. Take pursuant to beach nourishment and other sediment management activities is allowed inside the conservation area pursuant to any required federal, state, and local permits, or as otherwise authorized by the department. Please see the following for official details on boundaries, regulations and other information: History Point Dume SMCA and SMR are two of 36 new marine protected areas adopted by the California Fish and Game Commission in December, 2010 during the third phase of the Marine Life Protection Act Initiative. The MLPAI is a collaborative public process to create a statewide network of protected areas along California’s coastline. The south coast’s new marine protected areas were designed by local divers, fishermen, conservationists and scientists who comprised the South Coast Regional Stakeholder Group. Their job was to design a network of protected areas that would preserve sensitive sea life and habitats while enhancing recreation, study and education opportunities. The south coast marine protected areas went into effect in 2012. Geography and natural features Point Dume SMCA and SMR are two adjoining marine protected areas that extend offshore in Los Angeles County on California’s south coast. Point Dume SMCA is bounded by the mean high tide line and straight lines connecting the following points in the order listed: thence southeastward along the three nautical mile offshore boundary to and . Point Dume SMR is bounded by the mean high tide line and straight lines connecting the following points in the order listed: thence eastward along the three nautical mile offshore boundary to and . Habitat and wildlife Point Dume SMCA and Point Dume SMR are located in an area that encompasses some of the most diverse habitats in Los Angeles County, including an upwelling zone, submarine canyon