Deep-Sea Coral Gardens Protected in U.S. State of California | Oceana

Victory | December 31, 2025

Deep-Sea Coral Gardens Protected in U.S. State of California

The National Marine Fisheries Service adopted new regulations to protect deep-sea coral gardens on Sur Ridge, offshore of Monterey, California, following campaigning by Oceana and its allies. Sur Ridge is home to diverse marine life including towering deep-sea corals, rockfish, sea stars, and many other species that use the rocky area for shelter, feeding, and breeding. The Sur Ridge conservation area will now be protected from all bottom contact fishing gears. The new protections will also support deep-sea coral research and experimental coral restoration efforts.