Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, Santa Cruz

Established in 1992, the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary (MBNMS) is an important federally protected marine area off the central coast of California. It stretches over a large region from Marin to Cambria, encompassing approximately 6,094 square miles of ocean and a shoreline of 276 miles. The sanctuary extends about 30 miles from the coast on average, making it one of the largest of its kind in the United States, even bigger than Yellowstone National Park.

The MBNMS is known for its rich marine biodiversity and unique geological features. It includes one of the largest underwater canyons in North America and some of the deepest ocean environments close to land. The area is characterized by vast kelp forests, rugged rocky coasts, sandy beaches, and tranquil estuaries. These varied habitats are home to an impressive variety of marine life, with 36 marine mammal species, over 180 types of seabirds and shorebirds, at least 525 fish species, and many invertebrates and types of algae.

The primary goal of the sanctuary is to protect these resources while supporting research, education, and public engagement. Activities like commercial fishing, recreational diving, kayaking, boating, and surfing are allowed, provided they don’t harm the sanctuary’s ecological balance. Strict rules are in place to prevent activities that could damage the environment, such as oil drilling, ocean dumping, and seabed mining.

Visitors are invited to explore the sanctuary's natural beauty through activities like kayaking, fishing, tide pooling, diving, and whale watching. The area also features numerous coastal parks and offers stunning views of its varied landscapes, including dunes, rocky cliffs, rolling hills, and steep mountains. The Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary remains a crucial guardian of marine diversity and a center for environmental education and conservation.