|
![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20090114173934im_/http://montereybay.noaa.gov/interface/pagetitletop.gif) |
![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20090114173934im_/http://montereybay.noaa.gov/graphics/10.gif) |
|
WHAT
IS A MOTORIZED PERSONAL WATERCRAFT?
|
|
![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20090114173934im_/http://montereybay.noaa.gov/interface/pagetitlebottom.gif) |
![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20090114173934im_/http://montereybay.noaa.gov/images/8line.gif) |
![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20090114173934im_/http://montereybay.noaa.gov/images/190.gif) |
![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20090114173934im_/http://montereybay.noaa.gov/images/7line.gif) |
|
"Motorized
personal watercraft" means any motorized vessel that is less than fifteen
feet in length as manufactured, is capable of exceeding a speed of fifteen
knots (17.27 miles per hour), and has the capacity to carry not more than
the operator and one other person while in operation. The term includes,
but is not limited to, jet skis, wet bikes, surf jets, miniature speed boats,
air boats and hovercraft.
As a personal
watercraft rider you are also considered a boater. Personal watercraft
are defined as Class A inboard boats by the U.S. Coast Guard and are required
to follow most boating regulations. For more information, contact the
U.S. Coast Guard or the California Department of Boating and Waterways.
OPERATING
ZONES
To
help protect Sanctuary habitats and sensitive marine life, it is unlawful
for any person to operate motorized personal watercraft except within
four designated zones and access routes within the Sanctuary.These zones
and access routes have been established by federal regulation (15 CFR
Part 922, Subpart M,Appendix D). They are illustrated by the maps on this
page, and posted on signs at each of the launch ramps. Motorized personal
watercraft may launch only within the identified harbors and must proceed
directly to the operating zone outside each harbor through the specified
access route. Zone boundaries are marked by buoys and navigation aids.
TIPS
FOR RESPONSIBLE WATERCRAFT USE:
Help
Protect Sensitive Shorelines
From wave-swept beaches and lush kelp forests to tranquil estuaries,
the Sanctuary's near-shore habitats are fragile and full of life. The
motorized personal watercraft operating zones are designed to provide
special protection for these areas. Stay within the zones and access routes
at all times, and launch and return to shore only within the designated
harbors.
Watch
Out For Wildlife
You may encounter sea birds, sea turtles or marine mammals such
as sea otters, seals, sea lions, whales or dolphins while riding in the
Sanctuary. Many of these animals are threatened or endangered, and all
are protected by federal law. Although it may be tempting to approach
them for a closer look, please watch them from a distance. Avoid harassment
(which is illegal) by staying at least 50 to 100 yards away. Harassment
includes causing an animal to change its behavior. If you want to observe
wildlife while riding, idle your speed to reduce wake and noise, and watch
quietly from a non-threatening distance. Disturbing animals deprives them
of needed rest, may interrupt or stop feeding, or force them to burn precious
energy by fleeing. These impacts can weaken animals and lead to death
by stress, starvation or disease.
Slow
Your Speed
Speeding
can be dangerous to marine life and people. Avoid areas concentrated with
wildlife, such as large gatherings of sea birds resting on the water,
or groups of marine mammals. Minimize disturbance by riding slowly near
sensitive habitats such as kelp forests. Check with authorities for state
and local speed restrictions.
Reduce
Noise
Noise may disturb birds or marine mammals resting on the surface.
If you encounter wildlife, slow or idle your speed to reduce noise and
the chance of harassing any animals you see.
Prevent
Pollution
The Sanctuary has some of the cleanest ocean waters in the world.
To protect marine wildlife, it is illegal to discharge or dump materials
into the Sanctuary. Please observe this rule and do your part to help
keep the Sanctuary's waters clean.
Pick
Up Plastic
Birds,
fish, mammals and sea turtles can get entangled in plastic or mistake
it for food, and die of starvation or poisoning from plastic in their
stomachs. Plastic debris in the water can also foul propellers and clog
or damage engine intake systems. Always stow your trash for disposal in
port, and help remove plastics from the marine environment.
Spills
Aren't Slick
Even
small amounts of oil or gas can be deadly to marine wildlife. You can
help protect wildlife by preventing fuel spills. Fill your tank slowly,
don't overfill, and wipe up any accidental spills quickly with an absorbent
pad. Report spills you see to 1-800 OILS-911 or the U.S. Coast Guard at
1-800-424-8802
FOR MORE
INFORMATION:
Contact the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Office at 299 Foam
Street, Monterey, California 93940 (phone, 831-647-4201).
Additional
sources of information:
FEDERAL:
National
Marine Fisheries Service:
Special
Agent, Office of Enforcement,
831-6474220
U.S.
Coast Guard, Group Monterey
Officer
of the Day, Operations Center,
831-647-7303
LOCAL:
Harbormasters:
Pillar
Point: 415-726-4382
Santa
Cruz: 831-475-6161
Moss
Landing: 831-633-2461
Monterey:
831-646-3950
Morro
Bay: 805-772-6254
|
STATE:
California
Department of Fish & Game
Patrol
Captain, 831-649-2870
California
Department of Parks & Recreation
District
Supervisors:
Bay
Area (Pillar Point/Half Moon Bay):
415-726-8800
Santa
Cruz: 831-429-2850
Monterey:
831-649-2836
San
Simeon: 805-927-2020
California
Department of Boating and Waterways, 916-445-2616
|
Save Our
Shores' Sanctuary Watch Hotline:
1-800-9-SHORES
|