1 Mile Of Laguna Beach Coastline Considered For Added Marine Protection

LAGUNA BEACH, CA — On Tuesday, the California Fish and Game Commission will hold a meeting to hear public input on a petition to expand the Laguna Beach Marine Protected Area southward by approximately one mile.

The meeting starts at 8:00 a.m. It is recommended to arrive early at the Holiday Inn Express San Clemente (35 Via Pico Plaza).

"The Orange County Coastkeeper is proud to support theLaguna Bluebelt Coalition in advocating for stronger protections along this stretch of coastline," a spokesperson said online.

Coastkeeper went on to describe why this is necessary.

"The science is clear: reefs within Marine Protected Areas are healthier, more resilient, and better equipped to withstand environmental stress. As pollution and climate pressures continue to impact our coast, expanding this protected area is one of the most effective ways to restore marine ecosystems, increase biodiversity, and strengthen long-term coastal resilience," they wrote.

Marine Protected Areas don’t just protect ocean life; they help it thrive. From denser kelp forests to more abundant fish populations and stronger reef systems, protected waters consistently outperform unprotected ones.

In Laguna Beach, a recent report highlights the necessity of maintaining the protected and "no-take" areas, where removing anything from the kelp forests and tide pools is prohibited. In these areas

A report filed by the coastkeepers shows that the kelp forest ecosystems inside the Laguna Beach have stable giant kelp forests and currently have higher giant kelp densities than the ecosystems surveyed at Thousand Steps Beach and Three Arches. As such, the species that live here thrive, as opposed to areas where the kep forests are not maintained.

Click here to read the 2026 study on Laguna Beach protected kelp forests outperforming those outside the protected boundaries.