San Diego-Scripps Coastal Marine Conservation Area

[1] Environmental activism led to the creation of the adjacent San Diego-La Jolla Underwater Park to prevent over-fishing.

"[2] In 1981, the San Diego City Council extended the boundaries of the ecological reserve to include La Jolla Cove.

It protects the reefs, kelp forests, surfgrass beds, and sandy sea floor at the head of La Jolla Submarine Canyon's southern branch.

The deepwater canyon funnels deep, cold, nutrient-rich waters into the reserve and surrounding area, helping to support an array of life.

The areas encompass four distinct habitat zones; rocky reef, kelp forest, sandy flat, and deepwater canyon.

In a study focused around the benefits of MPAs, it was found that throughout the La Jolla region, there were half of the known California fish species present.

A vehicle friendly small boat and kayak launch is located at the end of Avenida De La Playa.

Local companies offer tours that include kayaking, snorkeling, scuba diving, and trips though the famed sea caves beneath the cliffs.

Visitors can relax and picnic at Kellogg Park, a large grassy area adjacent to the beach with barbecue pits, a playground and restrooms.

The mosaic, made using a process called LithoMosaic, was sponsored by the Walter Munk Foundation for the Oceans, among other community groups.

Similar studies in marine protected areas located off of the Santa Barbara Channel Islands have already detected gradual improvements in fish size and number.