Richardson's Bay Locks Down On Illegally Anchored Vessels

MARIN COUNTY, CA — Starting in 2026, only seaworthy vessels can temporarily anchor in Marin County's Richardson Bay to protect the area's ecosystem, announced two overseeing agencies on Friday.

The Richardson's Bay Regional Agency has agreed to initiate eelgrass recovery efforts and stricter timelines on illegally anchored vessels after the San Francisco Bay Conservation and Development Commission sought firm actions against them.

For decades, mariners have anchored in the Richardson's Bay longer than the 72-hour policy mandated in 1987, with some residents living full-time out on the anchorage. As it stands, there are currently 86 long-standing vessels in the bay.

RBRA's main focus is to prevent new vessels from anchoring into the bay as the Marin County Department of Health and Human Services works to transition residents out of the anchorage and into housing options on land.

"The RBRA will support efforts to connect people living on vessels with housing alternatives and services, as we are mindful of the challenges that face vulnerable members of this community," said RBRA Board President and District 3 Marin County Supervisor Stephanie Moulton-Peters.

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