Friends of Fitzgerald Marine Reserve
Motorized Personal Water Craft (MPWC) Policy Statement
The Board of Friends of Fitzgerald Marine Reserve supports a total ban on the use of Motorized Personal Watercraft (MPWC) in the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary (MBNMS) except for public agency search-and-rescue efforts.
Furthermore, regardless of whatever regulations the MBNMS puts in place for MPWC, it is imperative that no MPWC be allowed within the boundaries of Fitzgerald Marine Reserve (FMR). In spite of any accommodations provided in current and future MBNMS regulations for tow-in surfing or other activities, MPWC must be kept outside the boundaries of FMR.
MPWC are disruptive to marine wildlife, including the harbor seals, California sea lions, sea otters, and numerous birds that frequent FMR. The unpredictable high-speed movements and above-water noise of MPWC cause wildlife to flee, interrupting such vital behaviors as feeding, resting, and nursing their young. At the same time, because MPWC do not produce low-frequency underwater noise, submerged marine mammals and birds cannot hear them coming and may not be able to take evasive action.
Of particular importance, Mavericks, an internationally recognized big wave surfing spot, is immediately adjacent to the southern boundary of FMR. All five of the harbor seal haul outs within FMR are within 3 km of Mavericks, and the main harbor seal pupping and molting areas are within 1.5 km. During the late fall, winter and early spring when large, storm-induced, long-period ocean swells occur, tow-in surfers utilizing MPWC frequent the Mavericks’ surf break. Also an annual Mavericks surfing contest, held between January 1 and March 31, introduces numerous MPWC and other craft to the area. The period of high MPWC use at Mavericks overlaps with the harbor seal pupping season of March through May, and coincides with reported incidents of MPWC crossing into FMR boundaries.
While MBNMS-wide regulations governing MPWC are currently undergoing review, the Board of Friends of Fitzgerald Marine Life Refuge reminds MPWC users to respect the boundaries of FMR and the animals, plants, and cultural resources it protects.