San Diego-La Jolla Underwater Park

San Diego-La Jolla Underwater Park. . The San Diego-La Jolla Underwater Park is a continuing community project to preserve the natural ecology, reestablish the underwater sea life and maintain the natural beauty of the shoreline. The San Diego-La Jolla Underwater Park was created in 1970 when San Diego City Council dedicated 6,000 acres of tide and submerged lands owned by the City as an underwater park. The Park extends from Alligator Head, La Jolla, in the south to near the northern boundary of the Torrey Pines State Reserve. Within the Park there are two special areas created by the California Fish and Game Commission; the Ecological Reserve and the Marine Life Refuge. These two areas are regulated to protect our native natural marine and geological resources. For additional enhancement of fish, invertebrate, and plant habitats, Santa Catalina quarry rock was dumped in 70' of water near Scripps Canyon in 1964 creating the first of 2 artificial reefs. The other reef was created in 1975 and 1979 in 40' of water offshore from the Glider Port. , You are encouraged to enjoy the underwater splendors of this natural park and the surrounding area bordered by a beautiful coastline with magnificent golden cliffs, scenic public beaches, and the Torrey Pines State Reserve. Sport or commercial fishing is permitted within the Park but not in the Ecological Reserve. Please follow the rules for the Underwater Park, Marine Life Refuge, and Ecological Reserve to ensure that future visitors will have the same pleasurable visual experience. , Marine Life Refuge , The San Diego Marine Life Refuge was established in 1929 by the California Fish and Game Commission to allow licensees of the Regents of the University of California to take, for scientific purposes, any invertebrate ot specimen of marine plant life without a permit from the department. It is unlawful for the public to take or possess any invertebrate or specimen of marine plant life in a Marine Life Refuge. , Recreation and fishing are permitted within the Marine Life Refuge. The Refuge is intended to further the University of California’s knowledge of the physical and biological perimeters of this unique and special marine habitat located between two major underwater canyons. , Ecological Refuge , A committee to advise on the regulation of uses for the Underwater Park recommended to the San Diego County City Council creation of an Ecological Reserve to preserve native marine plants and animals in their natural state. The Council passes a resolution 1971 authorizing the Californa Fish and Game Commission to establish the Ecological Reserve. This “Look But Don’t Touch” area covered about 514 original acres which were increased to 533 acres in 1981. A string of buoys marks the outside perimter of the reserve. Separate buoys marking a “boat-free” swimming zone and a 5 mph zone are located within the Ecological Reserve., All fishing in the Ecological Reserve is prohibited. Marine life, geological formations and archeological artifacts are protected. , “Look But Don’t Touch”