Swami’s State Marine Conservation Area (SMCA) is a marine protected area that extends offshore of Encinitas in San Diego County on California’s south coast. The SMCA covers 12.65 square miles. The SMCA protects marine life by limiting the removal of marine wildlife from within its borders. Swami’s SMCA prohibits take of all living marine resources except: recreational take by hook-and-line from shore is allowed; and recreational take of pelagic finfish, including Pacific bonito, and white seabass by spearfishing is allowed. Take pursuant to beach nourishment and other sediment management activities and operation and maintenance of artificial structures inside the conservation area is allowed per 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 Swami’s SMCA is one 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 MLPA 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 heavily protested by local divers and fishermen while being designed by conservationists and scientists who comprised the South Coast Regional Stakeholder Group (SRSG). 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. Controversy over the Swami's SMCA stemmed from a long sustainable fishing history going back to the Cardiff Dorymen who launched small wooden boats from the Cardiff Reef and Noonan's Point (now call Swami's) beaches. Local divers and fishermen protested the creation of these protected areas. However, the state of California listened to the input from residents, families and experts across the area, and the site was finally protected for future generations. Today, there are signs that marine life are recovering in part due to protections afforded by this MPA. The south coast marine protected areas went into effect in 2012. No signage was posted for 2 years from effective date on the Northern or Southern borders to create a clear border of the Swami's SMCA. Geography and natural features Swami’s SMCA is a marine protected area that extends offshore in San Diego County on California’s south coast. Swami’s SMCA is bounded by the mean high tide line and straight lines connecting the