are there any protected areas here?
Yes, Soquel Canyon State Marine Conservation Area, Portuguese Ledge State Marine Conservation Area, Pacific Grove Marine Gardens State Marine Conservation Area, etc.
Monterey Bay
Soquel Canyon State Marine Conservation Area, Portuguese Ledge State Marine Conservation Area, Pacific Grove Marine Gardens State Marine Conservation Area, Lovers Point State Marine Reserve, Edward F. Ricketts State Marine Conservation Area and Asilomar State Marine Reserve are marine protected areas in Monterey Bay. 
how long does it take for a blue whale to give birth Gestation lasts 10–11 months. where are these type of whales mostly found? Monterey Bay, San Diego, Baja California Sur, Mexico; Gulf of St. Lawrence to name some. where is this bay located? On the coast of the U.S. state of California. can you name some rivers or lakes found here? Sacramento River, San Joaquin River, Pit River, Feather River and Tuolumne River.
wiki:8326595
Monterey Bay [SEP] Marine protected areas
Soquel Canyon State Marine Conservation Area, Portuguese Ledge State Marine Conservation Area, Pacific Grove Marine Gardens State Marine Conservation Area, Lovers Point State Marine Reserve, Edward F. Ricketts State Marine Conservation Area and Asilomar State Marine Reserve are marine protected areas in Monterey Bay. Like underwater parks, these marine protected areas help conserve ocean wildlife and marine ecosystems.