San Nicolas Island & Begg Rock Area of Special Biological Significance (ASBS) sits in waters off Ventura County. San Nicolas Island is the most remote of the Channel Islands, and is off limits to civilian visitors because of U.S. Navy ownership. It is the farthest north of the four southern Channel Islands. Begg Rock is known for huge scallops and profuse marine life. It is the last land in the southern continental U.S. before Hawaii.

Key pollution threats include urban runoff from the heavily developed coast 45 miles away, contamination and runoff from military facilities on the island, and contamination from shipping channels.

ASBS Area: 63,658 acres

County: Ventura

Regional Board Area: Los Angeles RWQCB

Year designated: 1974 (Resolution 74-28)

ASBS Index No.: 21