April 14, 2026
At Shark Stewards, we believe that a healthy ocean starts with protecting critical marine habitat including areas of high biodiversity. Few places embody this more than Duxbury Reef in Marin County—one of the largest shale reefs in North America and a crown jewel of the California coast.
Currently, Duxbury Reef is designated as a State Marine Conservation Area (SMCA). While this offers some protection, it allows for the “limited take” of finfish and abalone. Unfortunately, this “limited” status has created a loophole of confusion and ecological degradation. Working alongside the Environmental Action Committee of West Marin (EAC), we are calling for the redesignation of Duxbury Reef as a State Marine Reserve (SMR) and the expansion of its boundaries to ensure this ecosystem can truly thrive.
Why the Shift from “Conservation” to “Reserve”?
The primary goal of the Duxbury Reef Petition is to move from a “partial-take” model to a “no-take” model. Here’s why this distinction matters:
- Eliminating Confusion: Current rules allow for shore fishing, which often confuses visitors. When people see others with buckets and gear, they assume all “collecting” is legal. This has led to high levels of noncompliant take—including the illegal harvesting of sensitive invertebrates like octopi, crabs, and turban snails.
- Violations in the MPA: According to the 2025 MPA Watch report, Duxbury had 58 counts of hand collection and 4 counts of offshore boat fishing in the MPA.
- Prioritizing Education and Enjoyment: A healthy reef is a public resource for thousands of students, tidepoolers, and researchers. By prioritizing the non-consumptive enjoyment of the reef, we ensure that future generations can witness a balanced ecosystem rather than a depleted one.
- Science-Backed Benefits: Peer-reviewed science consistently shows that State Marine Reserves (SMRs) are far more effective than SMCAs at restoring biodiversity and increasing “larval connectivity,” which helps replenish fish populations in the surrounding open waters.
The Proposed Expansion
The petition seeks to expand the current boundaries north to the Double Point/Stormy Stack Special Closure and south to include the full, contiguous reef habitat that is currently unprotected. This expansion isn’t about locking people out; it’s about inviting them in to witness a wild, restored California coastline.
Duxbury Reef becoming an SMR would not restrict visitation, beach access, tidepooling, surfing, or research. It simply asks that we stop taking from a habitat that is already under immense pressure from climate change and high visitation.
Choosing the Majority Over the Few
For too long, the management of our coastal resources has catered to a minority of extractive users at the expense of the ecosystem’s overall health. While a small number of fishers may lose a local spot, the entire community gains a resilient, biodiverse reef that serves as a sanctuary for seabirds, harbor seals, and hundreds of intertidal species.
MPAS work and here are examples from the Partnership for Interdisciplinary Studies of Coastal Oceans (PISCO):
- Increased Biomass Outside Reserves: Researchers documented that fish stocks in unprotected areas just outside MPAs also increased over time.
- 23% Boost: Monitoring data indicated a 23% increase in biomass in waters immediately adjacent to the reserves.
- Fishery Support: This spillover suggests that MPAs do not just “lock away” resources but actually act as replenishment zones that support local fisheries by exporting surplus biomass to catchable areas
- The Spiny Lobster Success Story: In the Channel Islands, researchers found that California spiny lobsters within MPAs were not only more abundant but significantly larger than those in fished areas. Because egg production increases exponentially with size, these “trophy” lobsters act as biological engines for the entire coast.
“Fish species traditionally targeted by fishermen have increased in biomass inside and outside of the MPAs… suggesting that redistributed fishing effort is not exhausting these species in areas close to, but outside of, MPA boundaries.” —PISCO 10-Year Review
Take Action: Support the Proposal on April 21
The California Fish and Game Commission is holding a critical regional meeting to discuss these MPA petitions. Your voice is the most powerful tool we have to ensure the Commission prioritizes long-term conservation over short-term extraction.
Meeting Date: April 21, 2026 (Part of the Spring MPA Petition series)
- How to Comment: You can submit your support for the Duxbury Reef SMR Redesignation and Expansion via email to fgc@fgc.ca.gov.
- Official Link: Submit your comments to the Fish and Game Commission to approve the proposal and protect the future of Duxbury Reef.
A “no-take” status is the simplest, most enforceable way to protect this fragile environment. It creates a clear message: Let’s ensure Duxbury Reef remains a place of wonder and education for all.
References
MPA Watch, Annual Reports 2025 Marin County
Partnership for Interdisciplinary Studies of Coastal Oceans (PISCO) Kelp Forest Monitoring – Santa Barbara Channel Region PISCO 10-Year Review
Turnbull, J.W., Johnston, E.L. and Clark, G.F. (2021), Evaluating the social and ecological effectiveness of partially protected marine areas. Conservation Biology, 35: 921-932. https://doi.org/10.1111/cobi.13677