marine protected areas encourage recreational and educational uses of the ocean. Activities such as kayaking, diving, snorkeling, surfing and swimming are allowed unless otherwise restricted. 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. Without a MPA specific baseline or any single species identified as threatened in the Swami's SMCA, scientific studies will be gathering new information. Similar studies in marine protected areas located off of the Santa Barbara Channel Islands have already detected gradual improvements in fish size and number as expected with an area closure. References External links Marine Life Protection Act Initiative CalOceans The City of Encinitas Swami’s on Surfline Self Realization Fellowship Encinitas Ranch Golf Course Swami’s Café Protected areas of San Diego County, California Protected areas established in 2010 2010 establishments in California