The Department of Fish and Game (DFG) has released the Guide to the Northern California Marine Protected Areas. This full-color guide includes maps with identifiable landmarks, shoreline boundary images and existing regulations for marine protected areas (MPAs) along the northern California coast (California-Oregon state line in Del Norte County to Point Arena in Mendocino County). Additional information about northern California MPAs, answers to frequently asked questions, general rules that apply to all MPAs and links to DFG web pages are also included in the guide.

Northern California MPAs will go into effect Wednesday, Dec. 19. The California Fish and Game Commission adopted regulations in June. This regional network includes 19 MPAs, one State Marine Recreational Management Area and seven special closures, covering approximately 137 square miles of state waters and 13 percent of the region.

The guide is available for online viewing and printing at www.dfg.ca.gov/mlpa/guidebooks.asp.

For more information on California's MPA network, including the northern California coast, please visit www.dfg.ca.gov/mlpa.