Big Creek State Marine Reserve and Big Creek State Marine Conservation Area form adjoining protected waters off Big Sur on California’s central coast, covering 22.45 square miles beside a striking shoreline. The reserve fully protects marine life, while the conservation area permits only limited take, with specific exceptions. Established in 1994 and 2007, they became part of California’s broader effort to create a statewide network of marine protected areas. Offshore finger canyons provide habitat for deepwater rockfishes and foraging grounds for southern sea otters. Linked onshore to Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, the area supports conservation, scientific research, and public recreation.