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News

 

Superintendent Statement: Report and Do Not Disturb Cotton Bales Washed Up on Local Beaches!

Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary is asking the public to report and not disturb any cotton bales that have washed up recently on local beaches. The bales are believed to be from a container ship that, according to the U.S. Coast Guard, lost 24 containers on February 6th, 2024, approximately 15 miles west of the sanctuary offshore of Monterey Bay. For more information please read the statment here. (3/15/2024)
 
 

BECOME AN MBNMS VOLUNTEER!

Help to protect Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, an underwater national treasure. Join our volunteer team and become a steward and advocate for a healthy ocean. Learn about your opportunities during a Virtual Information Webinar on February 28, 2024 6:00-7:00 pm. Please register here to attend, or contact Lisa Uttal by email if you have further questions. (1/29/2024)
 
 

DRAFT Restoration Plan and NEPA Evaluation for the YFD-70 Dry Dock for GFNMS and MBNMS

Public Comment Period Extended! Due to a technical error during the previous comment period, the Office of National Marine Sanctuaries is extending the opportunity for public comment via email until March 15, 2023 on the Draft Restoration Plan and NEPA Evaluation for the YFD-70 Dry Dock for Greater Farallones and Monterey Bay national marine sanctuaries that proposes to help restore sanctuary resources injured as a result of this incident. Download and view the plan here. Any comments that were submitted during the original period should be re-submitted to be considered for input. Comments must be submitted to gfnms.restoration@noaa.gov by March 15, 2023. (2/13/23)
 
 

Netflix’s Series Features an Episode on Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary

The online streaming service Netflix premiered "Our Great National Parks", a five-part documentary series about the world's most breathtaking national parks and the wildlife that live there. Episode 3 features a 52 minute episode on NOAA’s Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, narrated by President Barack Obama. The episode features some conservation issues facing national marine sanctuaries and the entire world’s ocean, while highlighting the importance of protecting our treasured natural resources. Some of the marine species featured include orcas, southern sea otters, northern elephant seals, gray whales, and many more. See the trailer and stream on Netflix with subscription. (4/26/22)
 
 

BAUE Volunteer Divers Remove Underwater Discarded Tires

Divers remove debris from the deep! Recently, Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary and California State Parks partnered with Bay Area Underwater Explorers (BAUE) and Lee Oceans Foundation to recover 26 discarded tires from Point Lobos State Marine Reserve. The tires were of unknown origin and are harmful to underwater habitats by displacing substrate and leaching heavy metals and chemicals into the surrounding water. BAUE divers conducted numerous survey dives at 100-170 foot depths to locate the tires in the marine protected area. Removal of each 40 lbs. tire from the seafloor required lift bags and support from the vessel Escapade to return the debris to land for proper disposal. For more information, visit the Lee Oceans Foundation. (4/26/22)
 
 

NOAA's Office of National Marine Sanctuaries Releases Final Management Plan and Final Environmental Assessment for MBNMS

Over the last decade, the sanctuary's natural and cultural resources and environmental conditions have changed, creating new challenges for protecting resources and facilitating compatible use. At the same time, new tools for effective management have emerged, driven by scientific advances, technological innovation, and new partnerships. An evaluation of requirements and approaches, both current and future, ensure we, and our partners, are making the most effective use of programmatic resources. (11/12/21)
 
 

Superintendent Statement: Large Vessels Close to the Coast in Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary

Large vessels such as container ships and oil tankers have been sited close to the Monterey Bay coast over the past few weeks. NOAA’s Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary is working closely with the U.S. Coast Guard to remind the vessels about advisable routes recommended by the International Maritime Organization (IMO). Shipping companies are cooperating with the sanctuary’s request that large vessels move west of the recommended routes and well offshore while waiting for entry into San Francisco. For more information, please email Karen Grimmer. (4/13/21)
 
 

Attention Teachers!

Explore MBNMS through our new Distance Learning Programs for your students! Access our pre-recorded marine science programs and lesson plans for free, or schedule a 45 minute LIVE Virtual Interaction Program for a fee. For more information, please email Chelsea Prindle. (11/2/20)
 
 

MBNMS Virtual Dives and Feature Film “One Breath” are now available!

Watch the stunning 18 minute film highlighting the sanctuary from filmmaker Bob Talbot, and take yourself on a virtual dive tour to explore 360° images taken from 11 different sanctuary locations. Use virtual googles for the ultimate immersive experience!. For more information, please email Amity Wood. (10/29/20)
 
 

Support Students for Zero Waste Week 2020

Students in California are inviting their local communities to “Go Green. Think Blue.”, and join them in the 8th annual Students for Zero Waste Week. During this week-long campaign, students are focusing on reducing land-based waste and in turn, helping to protect the health of local marine environments. Their goal is to raise awareness of how single-use plastic and other types of litter affect the health of the local watersheds and our national marine sanctuaries. This year we are encouraging universities, businesses and organizations to participate in the 2020 Zero Waste Week campaign. For more information, please visit Students for Zero Waste Week web page. For more information, please contact Jezella Peraza by email. (12/17/19)
 
 

NOAA Expands Seafloor Protection off West Coast Starting January 1st 2020

More than 140,000 square miles of seafloor along the West Coast will be protected from bottom trawling under a plan implemented by NOAA on January 1st, 2020. Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary (MBNMS) participated in the decade-long review of Pacific Coast groundfish Amendment 28, Essential Fish Habitat Conservation Areas (EFHCA) within Sanctuary waters, providing critical seafloor, coral, sponge and fish assemblage data, vital to the decision to protect sensitive habitats from bottom trawling. More information on the National Marine Fisheries Service’s (NMFS) federal register notice can be found here. (12/3/19)
 
 

What’s in Your Watershed? Snapshot Day Celebrates 20 Years of Water Quality Monitoring

Snapshot Day exemplifies a successful 20-year collaboration between dedicated volunteers and a network of water quality professionals on the central California coast. Diverse public agencies, local companies, non-profit organizations, and citizens are all committed to healthy coastal watersheds and a thriving Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary ecosystem. Read the Web Story, or contact Lisa Emanuelson by email for more information. (4/9/19)
 

Job Announcements

 

Position Announcement: Advisory Council Coordinator/Administrative Specialist

Location: Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary (MBNMS) Main Office, Monterey, CA
Supervisor: MBNMS Superintendant
Status: Full–Time position (40 hours/week)

Lynker, a growing, employee owned comapny, is seeking to hire a full–time Advisory Council Coordinator/Administrative Specialist to work closely with the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary (MBNMS) superintendent and deputy superintendent on administrative functions supporting the local offices. As required, the Advisory Council Coordinator/Administrative Specialist will assist staff in producing written materials to address public questions, work with the superintendent to respond to inquiries internal to NOAA and ONMS and correspond with other agencies partners and internal to ONMS. The Program Support Specialist also supports the deputy superintendent with the administrative functions of the Sanctuary's Advisory Council (AC). The Council meets 6 times each year; the three standing working groups meet either monthly or bimonthly. The Council is comprised of 28 members representing a wide variety of agencies and user groups within MBNMS. The Program Support Specialist will be required to work on site in Monterey, CA, 3 days per week

Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary (MBNMS) is one of the nation’s largest marine protected areas encompassing more than 6,000 square miles of central California coastal waters containing a rich array of habitats and marine life.

Duties of the Advisory Council Coordinator/Administrative Specialist will include the Following:

  • Assist the Superintendent with day–to–day operational demands of the sanctuary such as meeting scheduling, administration support, special projects, and general public outreach, preparing for public speaking engagements, preparing written documents, assist in planning special events, ceremonies, tours and press conferences
  • Track and process informational requests and prepare material and packets
  • Serve as the point of contact for MBNMS office travel
  • Assist superintendent to track MBNMS projects and policy initiatives
  • Work at Sanctuary booths or otherwise represent the Sanctuary during special events

Sanctuary Advisory Council Duties will include the Following:

  • Coordinator will work closely with the deputy superintendent's coordination of and participation in virtual or in–person Advisory Council (AC) meeting requirements and those of its working groups
  • The contractor shall: schedule, and attend all MBNMS AC meetings; Produce and distribute AC related information (web, email) and take minutes from the AC meetings by means of written notes and a digital sound recording system
  • Work with the deputy to develop and implement organizational strategies for the AC
  • Assist the deputy to track MBNMS's management plan accomplishments

The Ideal Advisory Council Coordinator/Administrative Specialist will have the Following:

  • AS or AA degree or 2 years of experience working with meeting coordination, preferably with local, state or federal advisory groups, and/or government councils
  • Knowledge of national marine sanctuaries and ocean conservation issues
  • Professionalism and experience in dealing with a variety of audiences
  • The ability to compile, organize and articulate ideas and recommendations to the superintendent
  • Administrative skills necessary to assist sanctuary management with special projects, presentations and operational functions
  • Experience in planning, coordinating and facilitating virtual and in–person meetings. Ability to effectively produce and distribute meeting information for the advisory and decision–making body
  • Ability to take notes at meetings and to synthesize them into official minutes. Ability and willingness to prioritize work, meet deadlines as assigned and to work as a team player with sanctuary working group representatives and staff
  • Ability and flexibility to travel locally
  • Experience with word processing; web design, document scanning, and digital recording systems
  • Bilingual (Spanish) is preferred

For more information and to apply, please visit the Lynker Advisory Council Coordinator/Administrative Specialist recruitment pages.

 
 

Position Announcement: Marine Resource Protection Specialist

Location: Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary (MBNMS) Main Office, Monterey, CA
Supervisor: MBNMS Resource Protection Coordinator
Status: Full–Time position (40 hours/week)

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA), Office of National Marine Sanctuaries (ONMS), West Coast Regional Office (WCRO) and Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary (MBNMS) require assistance conducting science and resource operations, including, but not limited to, management and maintenance of the Motorized Personal Watercraft (MPWC) buoy program.

MPWC are small, fast, and highly maneuverable craft that possess unconventionally high thrust capability and horsepower relative to their size and weight. The majority of MPWC currently operated within marine sanctuary areas are compact water jet–propelled craft that shed water from the passenger spaces. To prevent the disturbance of wildlife and other nearshore users, MPWC uses have been restricted to marine zones established in MBNMS, unless permitted for research uses. Operation of motorized personal watercraft within MBNMS has been restricted to designated zones and access routes. Zone boundaries are marked by large yellow buoys and navigation aids that require ongoing maintenance.

Also, WCRO and MBNMS engage in a variety of underway operations for marine research, education, outreach, maritime heritage, law enforcement, intra/inter–agency partnership trips, etc. This ROS role requires a crew member to assist on a small boat to achieve a number of diverse resource protection missions. The role will include management of ongoing resource protection operations/programs as well as management/support on a project basis.

Cardinal Point Captains, Inc. (CPC) provides vessel research support to ONMS and is seeking a well–rounded applicant to serve as Research Operations Specialist (ROS) to the NOAA WCRO and MBNMS.

The Marine Resource Protection Specialist will perform the Following:

  • Assist, plan and participate in resource protection and operations missions
  • Provide field and resource protection program support to NOAA’s WCRO, including support on a project basis
  • Assist in emergency response and remediation assessments
  • Maintain marine personal watercraft (MPWC buoy zone marking system
  • Augment as non–licensed crew member on NOAA’s small boat(s) on site, such as the 67' research vessel R/V Fulmar and 22' R/V Tegula
  • Represent WCRO/MBNMS in related intra and inter–agency meetings and partnerships
  • Serve as crew member in a variety of underway operations for research, education, outreach, maritime heritage, law enforcement, intra/inter–agency partnership trips, etc.
  • Support Motorized Personal Watercraft (MPWC buoy program. Tasks include maintaining MPWC buoys at designated stations; maintain planning files, mooring specs, rigging designs, equipment inventories, etc. for MPWC buoys; and coordinate and/or lead search and recovery of MPWC buoys reported missing, adrift, or aground
  • Coordinate with USCG Station Monterey regarding use of the buoy storage bay for equipment deliveries and access by MBNMS personnel and the buoy system deployment contractor (separate contract)
  • Support resource protection outreach activities to recreational boating community
  • Participate in remediation activities related to miscellaneous spills or vessel incidents
  • Maintain MBNMS's incident database for occurrences of groundings, sinkings, spills and other potential enforcement incidents
  • Identify, track and record staff–wide HAZWOPER training needs and requirements

Marine Resource Protection Specialist Education Requirements:

  • Masters Degree (or Bachelor’s Degree with 4+ years of applicable experience) from an accredited college or university in Marine Resource Management, Biology, Geology, Environmental Studies, Maritime Archaeology, electrical or mechanical engineering or related scientific field
  • Research and On–water Operations
  • Experience on small boats and mobilizing missions, including tracking personnel and paperwork, organizing field gear, and coordinating with vessel operations staff and crew
  • Experience and familiarity with marine buoy management and maintenance, especially with respect to maintenance of designated, restricted zones
  • Experience working with federal government and state agencies
  • Ability to travel for response/remediation activities throughout the sanctuary (Año Nuevo to Cambria, CA)

Miscellaneous Marine Resource Protection Specialist Education and Experience Requirements:

  • Able to lift and carry up to fifty (50) pounds to assist transporting equipment and gear

AAP/EEO Statement
CPC is an EEO employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, or covered veteran status.

Other Duties
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

For more information and to apply, please visit CPC Full–Time Marine Resource Protection Specialist recruitment page.

 
 

 

 

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Reviewed: September 08, 2023
Web Site Owner: National Ocean Service

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