Drones

These devices are becoming more popular and are increasingly seen flying over the beaches and the water.  The FAA regulates their use, requiring owners to register the device, and follow rules of operation, such as the prohibition against flying higher than 400 feet.

For violations of FAA regulations on Carmel Beach, these should be reported to the Carmel Police Department Dispatch, available 24/7 at (831) 624-6403.

If the drone use is offshore, regulations of the NOAA Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary also apply prohibiting drone operation in two general circumstances:

• drones are absolutely prohibited within a designated "overflight prohibition zone":  Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary drone guidelines
• drones cannot disturb wildlife (birds, marine mammals, or other sanctuary wildlife). Evidence of wildlife harassment is generally a marked change in an animal's behavior that coincides with the appearance or sound of a drone.

Sanctuary drone violations in progress should be reported to the NOAA Hotline at 1-800-853-1964. Use the reporting guidelines as an aide when providing information by phone.

Sanctuary drone violations not in progress should be reported to the Sanctuary Law Enforcement Officer at 831-647-4203 or the Sanctuary Regulatory Coordinator at 831-647-4251. Use the reporting guidelines as an aide when providing information by phone. 

California Department of Fish & Wildlife regulations also apply to prohibit motorized flight below 1000 ft altitude within the Sea Otter Game Refuge, which extends in the north from the Carmel River to the Santa Rosa Creek in San Luis Obispo County in the south.

Last Updated 5/30/16