(a) Prior to January 1, 1994, the commission shall establish four new ecological reserves in ocean waters along the mainland coast. Each ecological reserve shall have a surface area of at least two square miles. The commission shall restrict the use of these ecological reserves to scientific research relating to the management and enhancement of marine resources, including, but not limited to, scientific research as it relates to sportfishing and commercial fishing.
Recreational uses, including, but not limited to, hiking, walking, viewing, swimming, diving, surfing, and transient boating are not in conflict with this section.
(b) Prior to establishing the four ecological reserves, the commission shall conduct a public hearing at each of the recommended sites or at the nearest practicable location.
(c) On and after January 1, 2002, the four ecological reserves established pursuant to subdivision (a) shall be called state marine reserves, unless otherwise reclassified pursuant to Section 2855, and shall become part of the state system of marine managed areas.
(Amended by Stats. 2000, Ch. 385, Sec. 6. Effective January 1, 2001.)