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Welcome to The Sanctuary

The Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary (MBNMS) is a Federally protected marine area offshore of California's central coast. Stretching from Marin to Cambria, the MBNMS encompasses a shoreline length of 276 miles and 6,094 square miles of ocean. Supporting one of the world's most diverse marine ecosystems, it is home to numerous mammals, seabirds, fishes, invertebrates and plants in a remarkably productive coastal environment. The MBNMS was established for the purpose of resource protection, research, education, and public use of this national treasure. The MBNMS is part of a system of 13 National Marine Sanctuaries and one marine national monument, administered by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

 

The ocean takes care of us. Let's return the favor. Be sure to visit Thank You Ocean and
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discover five things you can do to thank the ocean!

 

 
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What's New at the MBNMS

New Unusual Pupping of California Sea Lions (2010) (6/28/10)

MBNMS & NMFS release joint NOAA Guidelines for Desalination Plants in the Sanctuary (5/11/10)

Current Information About The Deepwater Horizon Incident (5/3/10)

Save The Date! Sanctuary Exploration Center Groundbreaking Ceremony July 12th, 10:30AM (4/5/10)

More News, Announcements and Updates!

 
 
Click here for information on Research & Monitoring in the MBNMS.

Click here for Resource Management Issues in the MBNMS.

Click here for Education & Outreach in the MBNMS.
Research and Monitoring
Learn about efforts to determine the status and health of marine species, habitats and ecosystems

Resource Management Issues
Learn about potential threats to marine life and opportunities for resource protection

Education and Outreach
Learn about efforts to increase awareness, understanding and stewardship of the Sanctuary
 
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This page last modified on: 06/28/10
Click here to go to the national marine sanctuaries home page.
URL: http://montereybay.noaa.gov