Save California's Iconic Places
This year, California's Fish and Game Commission will decide whether to protect Southern California's coastal gems in underwater parks - places like south La Jolla; Swamis Reef; Laguna Beach; Rocky Point; Catalina Island; Point Dume; and Santa Barbara's Naples Reef. Millions of locals and visitors frequent these special places to enjoy their favorite coastal activities: surfing; diving; kayaking; and tide pooling.
Naples Reef: Ecological Gem of Santa Barbara County
Naples Reef, located off Santa Barbara’s Gaviota Coast, is an
underwater pinnacle and cave system that has captivated scuba divers
and explorers for decades. Naples is one of the most biologically
productive locations in all of Southern California.
Sea Life of Naples Reef
While small in size, Naples Reef is an exceptionally rich, productive
habitat, with anemone-covered underwater walls rising 30-feet from the
sea floor and a spectacular kelp forest supporting a variety of fish
and wildlife. White sea bass patrol for squid and anchovy over Naples’
pinnacles, joined by pelicans and harbor seals. Kelp
bass, rockfish, colorful nudibranchs, red gorgonians, and a variety of
crabs, lobster and scallops all share the reef. This coastal area is
home to many threatened and endangered animals such as the steelhead
trout, the tidewater goby, the white-tailed kite, and the red-legged
frog.
Why Preserve Naples Reef?
The Gaviota Coast faces a variety of threats including
overfishing, coastal development and climate change. Protecting Naples
Reef would allow sea life and habitat to recover and restore the area
to a world-class site. Protecting Naples Reef can bring Channel
Islands-quality recreational opportunities to the Santa Barbara
coastline.
Get Involved
1. Send a letter.
