Abalone Cove SMCA and Point Vicente SMR protect the only true south-facing headland on California's south coast. Species afforded protection are lobsters, sea urchins, rockfish, and rocky intertidal (tide pool) inhabitants. Habitats include dense kelp forests, extensive and complex rocky reefs, and migration waters for a host of marine mammals. including humpback whales, grey whales and blue whales. Recreation and nearby attractions The Point Vicente Interpretive Center offers recreational and educational opportunities to the public and is a famous spot for observing migrating whales from shore, due in part to its high elevation. This area has all the right conditions to attract large whale species: steep, deep drop-off coupled with robust upwelling. Nearby Point Vicente Lighthouse is a cylindrical style lighthouse constructed in 1926. It is home to a third order Fresnel lens which is still active. Abalone Cove Ecological Reserve, part of the Portuguese Bend Nature Preserve, features two beaches (Abalone Cove and Sacred Cove), tide pools, bluff top viewing areas and trails. Two promontories, Portuguese and Inspiration Points, frame Sacred Cove with its sea caves, black sand and rare plants. The adjacent parking area and multiple picnic tables add to the options for public enjoyment of the area. Nearby Long Cove is a popular diving spot featuring 15 – 20 foot pinnacles along the perimeter of a reef. Anemones, gorgonians, sponges, hydroids, rock scallops, tunicates, algae and bryozoans cover the surface of the rocks, while rockfish, sheephead and blacksmith swarm the edges. Abalone Cove SMCA prohibits the take of all living marine resources except that 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 round haul net. Market squid may also be taken by hoopnet. Point Vicente SMR prohibits the take of all living marine resources. However, California's marine protected areas encourage recreational and educational uses of the ocean. Activities such as kayaking, diving, snorkeling and swimming are allowed. Scientific monitoring As specified by the Marine Life Protection Act, select marine protected areas along California's south coast are being monitored by scientists to track their effectiveness and learn more about ocean health. Similar studies in marine protected areas located off the Santa Barbara Channel Islands have already detected gradual improvements in fish size and number. References External links California Department of Fish and Wildlife: Marine