Where is the ROV Beagle?
The MARE team is currently off the central coast of California monitoring deepwater areas of marine reserves. Below is a map showing the current location of MARE's Biologists and Engineers, who are using the ROV Beagle during a month-long expedition to collect data within California's Marine Protected Areas (MPA).
The ROV Beagle is currently surveying Pillar Point State Marine Reserve off Half Moon Bay. This is the ninth MPA surveyed during this expedition, which began on September 1st. Data collected at this site will help shed light on how these valuable MPAs have changed since they were created and how they compare to adjacent non-protected areas.
PHOTOS FROM THE EXPEDITION
Meet the MARE Team
MONTARA STATE MARINE RESERVE
PILLAR POINT STATE MARINE CONSERVATION AREA
Located about 20 miles south of San Francisco, Montara State Marine Reserve is surrounded by Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. The north end of Montara SMR is guarded by Point Montara Lighthouse, the only lighthouse in the United States that has guided sailors through rough seas on both coasts. Built in Boston in the late 1800s, the lighthouse spent it's first 50 years overlooking Cape Cod. Dismantled and thought to be recycled for scrap metal, the structure mysteriously reappeared on Point Montara in 1928, yet no one knows exactly how, or why, it made its cross-country journey
Pillar Point SMCA is located next to one of the most feared surf breaks on the planet the wave at ‘Mavericks’, created by the unique depth and shape of the underwater terrain that concentrates energy onto a shallow rocky reef. This produces waves greater than 50 feet tall and has a reputation for being one of the deadliest waves on Earth; a place where daredevils are willing to risk their bodies for the drop of their lives.
Pillar Point SMCA is located next to one of the most feared surf breaks on the planet the wave at ‘Mavericks’, created by the unique depth and shape of the underwater terrain that concentrates energy onto a shallow rocky reef. This produces waves greater than 50 feet tall and has a reputation for being one of the deadliest waves on Earth; a place where daredevils are willing to risk their bodies for the drop of their lives.
BODEGA HEAD STATE MARINE RESERVE
Bodega Bay was originally founded by the Russians in 1809 as a shelter for their otter hunters, it later led to the establishment of Fort Ross, the most southern Russian settlement on the west coast. It was later renamed for the Spanish explorer Juan Francisco de la Bodega y Quadra. This bay is located just East of the two offshore jewels of the of the National Marine Sanctuary system: the Greater Gulf of the Farallones and Cordell Banks.
Offshore of Bodega Head lies one of the most expansive rocky reefs in northern California. The reef encompasses an area of about 10 square miles and extends to a depth of 260 feet. The large extent and depth range of this reef creates important habitats for a wide range of species.
Offshore of Bodega Head lies one of the most expansive rocky reefs in northern California. The reef encompasses an area of about 10 square miles and extends to a depth of 260 feet. The large extent and depth range of this reef creates important habitats for a wide range of species.
POINT ARENA STATE MARINE RESERVE
Located 150 miles north of San Francisco, Point Arena has some of the most persistent upwelling along the California coast and make it a remarkable biodiversity hotspot. This area lies between Russian river to the South, and the Navarro river to the North. A prominent marine terrace jutting west into the Pacific provides a fine shelter for vessels from the prevailing Northwest winds.
TEN MILE STATE MARINE RESERVE
Ten Mile’s name stems from the fact that it is located approximately ten miles north of the Noyo River, which runs through Fort Bragg in northern California. From shallow to deep water, Ten Mile SMR contains all the rocky headland-type of habitat unique to Mendocino County.
SEA LION GULCH STATE MARINE RESERVE
Situated approximately four miles south of the mouth of the Mattole River at the Northern end of the Lost Coast, arguably the most inaccessible stretch of coastline in the state. With the Kings range dropping precipitously to meet the Pacific just onshore from the tectonically active Mendocino Triple Junction, it creates an area of offshore canyons, ridges and pinnacles, with extreme currents and winds. The inaccessibility and severe weather make the Sea Lion Gulch reserves some of the least impacted by humans.
READING ROCK STATE MARINE RESERVE
West of Freshwater Lagoon on a clear day, you will see Reading Rock, a monolithic sentinel silhouetted against the horizon. Approximately three miles offshore this area has long been the elusive destination of the Trinidad sports fisherman. Seldom does the weather allow them to make the 17mile run from the harbor to the rich fishing grounds of the rock. Even the local Yurok tribe who ventured to the distant rock in dugout canoes reaped the bountiful harvest.
POINT ST. GEORGE REEF OFFSHORE SMCA
An austere and desolate reef located just South of the Oregon border. This phenomenal habitat is the location of the northernmost MPA. The iconic St. Georges Lighthouse is three miles offshore on the lonely Northwest Seal Rock. Completed in 1892, it was the most expensive lighthouse in the United States. The light was placed there to protect coastal mariners, after the wreck of the Brother Johnathan in 1865, with the loss of 244 lives.
