MOSS LANDING

  • USMLG
  • Latitude: 36.80302
  • Longitude: -121.7859
  • US West Coast
  • Marina in US

Location: US

Moss Landing is a well-known marine port located on the central coast of California, in Monterey County. Situated approximately halfway between Santa Cruz and Monterey, Moss Landing serves various roles, including acting as a commercial fishing hub, industrial center, and tourist attraction. Below is a detailed description and some key specifications of Moss Landing:

Geographic and General Information:

  • Location: Central California coast, Monterey County.
  • Coordinates: Approximately 36.8005° N latitude and 121.7867° W longitude.
  • Adjacent Ocean: Pacific Ocean.
  • Accessibility: Easily accessible from Highway 1, a major coastal route.

Infrastructure and Facilities:

  • Harbor: Protected natural harbor with breakwaters that shield it from the Pacific Ocean's direct impact.
  • Docks and Piers: Equipped with multiple docks and piers for commercial fishing, recreational boating, and research activities.
  • Marina: The Moss Landing Harbor District operates a marina with ample berthing options for various types of vessels.
  • Industrial Areas: Features zones dedicated to industrial activities, including processing plants and storage facilities, primarily for the fishing industry.
  • Research Facilities: Home to notable research institutions such as the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI) and the Moss Landing Marine Laboratories (MLML).

Commercial and Recreational Use:

  • Commercial Fishing: A significant portion of the port’s activity revolves around commercial fishing, with vessels frequently bringing in catches like squid, crab, and various fish species.
  • Recreational Boating: The marina caters to recreational boaters, offering slips, maintenance facilities, and services such as fueling.
  • Tourism: The area attracts tourists with activities like whale watching, kayaking, and visits to nearby wildlife areas.

Key Features:

  • Water Depth: Varies, with deeper channels to accommodate larger fishing and research vessels. The entrance channel typically maintains a depth conducive to commercial operations.
  • Navigation: Buoys, markers, and breakwaters provide guidance for vessels entering and leaving the harbor.
  • Environmental Considerations: Known for its rich marine biodiversity, the region often engages in conservation and environmental monitoring efforts.
  • Economic Impact: Plays a vital role in the regional economy, particularly through the fishing industry, marine research, and tourism.

Governance and Management:

  • Harbor Authority: Managed by the Moss Landing Harbor District, which oversees operations, maintenance, and development initiatives.
  • Regulations: Subject to federal, state, and local regulations concerning environmental protection, marine safety, and commercial operations.

Challenges and Developments:

  • Siltation: Periodic dredging is necessary to maintain adequate channel depths.
  • Environmental Impacts: Balancing industrial activity with environmental preservation is an ongoing priority.
  • Infrastructure Upgrades: Continued investment in infrastructure improvements to support commercial and recreational activities.

In summary, Moss Landing is a multifaceted marine port that supports a robust fishing industry, facilitates significant marine research, and acts as a hub for recreational and eco-tourism activities in Central California.

Vessels in the port

Flag Name Type Destination Date/Time
ONELOVE Sailing COOS BAY 03:55:33
R/V CURRENT SEA Passenger 03:50:05
NOAHS ARK Fishing 03:26:25
RACHEL CARSON baycraft MOSS LANDING 02:24:17
DAVID PACKARD baycraft US NGZ2>US MY3 01:55:09
OCEAN ANGEL 3 Fishing MONTEREY 12:29:22
WILLIAM JOY Pleasure 12:29:14
CALLIE Sailing 12:27:20
JOHN H MARTIN Pleasure 12:21:00
AMAROK Pleasure 5/30/2025
SHANA RAE Dredging 5/29/2025
R/V PARAGON Dredging 5/29/2025
OCEAN ANGEL 2 Fishing 5/26/2025
MISS NATALIE Fishing 5/26/2025
PORTICELLO Pleasure 5/23/2025
OCEAN LEADER Fishing 5/21/2025
JACKPOT baycraft 5/13/2025
SHEILA B Pleasure 5/13/2025
OCEAN WARRIOR Fishing 5/10/2025
BREATHE Pleasure 5/9/2025

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