-Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary-

    Dedicated in 1992, the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary is the largest of twelve sanctuaries nationwide managed by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).  Twice as deep and wide as the Grand Canyon, it encompasses over 5,300 square miles of water, stretching along 300 miles of coastline from Marin County in the north to San Luis Obispo County in the south.  Containing many diverse ecosystems, including wave-swept beaches, lush kelp forests, and one of the deepest underwater canyons in North America, these habitats abound with life, from tiny plankton to huge blue whales.

The Sanctuary's mission is to understand and protect the coastal ecosystem and cultural resources of central California.   Four major program divisions work to carry out this mission: resource protection, education, research, and program support.

Attracting visitors from all over the world, the area's natural surroundings and many recreational opportunities offer an excellent opportunity to experience beauty firsthand,  while gaining valuable education about the importance of environmental preservation.  According to a 1999 survey of Monterey County guests, travelers cite the region's scenery and beauty-- particularly the ocean and coastline-- as a main reason for visiting the area.   Despite such extraordinary surroundings, the Sanctuary is, unfortunately, subject to many rising environmental problems.  For example, it's proximity to the coast makes it particularly vulnerable to pollution problems in the eleven watersheds which drain into it.  Learn more about the environmental and economic issues facing the Montery Bay National Marine Sanctuary by exploring this website...

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*  This website has been compiled by Melissa Henry '02  and Cristina Lane '00.  *