The Commission, in partnership with the Greater Farallones National Marine Sanctuary, is administering the Tomales Bay Mooring Program. This page provides essential information for existing private mooring owners on Tomales Bay and those who are interested in installing a new mooring. The information here is provided for mooring lease applicants to ensure that moorings on Tomales Bay are in compliance with state and federal regulations.
The Commission is now accepting mooring lease applications from any party interested in applying for a mooring lease within the sovereign lands of Tomales Bay. All mooring lease applicants are required to submit a Commission mooring lease application, and provide all required additional information as outlined in the Tomales Bay Mooring Program Requirements. The total transition period for existing mooring owners to obtain or be in the process of applying for a Commission mooring lease is six months, ending on February 10, 2016. Without exception, all moorings must hold a valid lease or be in the process for obtaining a lease by February 10, 2016.
Contact
For additional information or to request a hard copy of the lease application, contact:
Public Land Manager
Nick Lavoie | 916.574.0452
Nicolas.Lavoie@slc.ca.gov
Mooring Program FAQs
How much does a Tomales Bay mooring lease cost?
The current cost for a mooring on sovereign lands within Tomales Bay is $125 per year as determined by the 2015 Tomales Bay Mooring Poles Benchmark. The benchmark is generally updated every 5 years. See the Commission’s current benchmarks here.
Where are moorings allowed within Tomales Bay? Can I moor outside the zones?
What are the requirements for mooring in the bay?
- Ensuring that the mooring equipment is inspected and maintained by an approved Mooring Contractor. The lessee must check the approved Mooring Contractor webpage prior to scheduling an installation or inspection
- Informing the Commission of any changes (moored vessel, mailing address, telephone number, etc.)
- Submitting proof of vessel and mooring insurance annually, and
- Staying current on payment of annual rent
When can I apply for a Tomales Bay Mooring Lease?
How will my application be processed?
What are the requirements for mooring installation?
See the following website for a list of approved Mooring Contractors: http://farallones.noaa.gov/eco/tomales/contractors.html
Where can I access the Interactive PDF Map?
What constitutes Mooring versus Anchoring?
Where can I find current regulations on anchoring in Tomales Bay?
Submit Paper Applications
Download the Application for Use of State Lands here.
Paper applications may be submitted to:
100 Howe Avenue, Suite 100-South
Sacramento CA 95825
Requirements
Private vessel moorings in Tomales Bay must meet all standards outlined in the Tomales Bay Mooring Program Requirements. It includes all criteria and requirements for private vessel moorings in Tomales Bay. This document should be used as the main source of information for potential Tomales Bay mooring lease applicants and mooring owners. Topics outlined in this document include:
- An overview of the Mooring Program and the purpose and need for the Program
- Information on the initial roll-out of the program and instructions for owners of existing unpermitted moorings
- An explanation of Program applicability and exemptions
- Commission Mooring Program lease requirements
- Special conditions for Tomales Bay mooring leases
- Mooring siting criteria and requirements for the location of moorings
- Mooring tackle requirements
- Mooring inspection and maintenance requirements
- Information on the Commission mooring lease application process and information submittal requirements
- Mooring installation and positioning
- Provisions for termination of the Commission mooring lease, and
- Compliance monitoring and enforcement