Natural Bridges State Marine Reserve is a protected marine area off northern Santa Cruz, established in September 2007 as part of California’s first phase of Marine Life Protection Act reserves. Covering 0.58 square miles beside Natural Bridges State Beach and Wilder Ranch State Park, it protects a compact but diverse coastline of wave-cut platforms, rocky cliffs, salt marsh, and sandy and rocky shores. All marine life within the reserve is protected, and fishing or other removal of living marine resources is prohibited. The reserve also supports research, education, and recreation while contributing to a connected network meant to improve understanding of ocean health.