Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary

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A humpback whale breaching in MBNMS
Deep-sea octopus along the seafloor near Davidson Seamount
Map of MBNMS with Davidson Seamount in the front
Julia Pfieffer Burns State Beach
Deep-sea octopuses discovered near Davidson Seamount at 3300 meters below

News & Upcoming Events

Draft Restoration Plan and NEPA Evaluation for the YFD-70 Dry Dock
The Office of National Marine Sanctuaries will accept public comment via email until January 5, 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. (12/6/2022)

MBNMS Offices and Visitor Centers Have Reopened!
We are still following local and departmental guidance, so please make sure to check before planning your visit. (12/5/2022)

Position Announcement: Full–Time Sanctuary Exploration Center Manager (12/2/2022)

Position Announcement: Full–Time Sanctuary Exploration Center Facility Maintenance Specialist (12/2/2022)

Sanctuary Exploration Center First Friday Monthly Art Events Are Back!
Please check our calendar for specifics. (11/4/2022)

More News, Announcements and Updates!

Welcome to Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary! One of our nation's most spectacular marine protected areas, Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary offers some of the best wildlife viewing in the world! This "Serengeti of the Sea" stretches along the central coast from San Francisco to Cambria and includes pristine beaches, jewel-like tide pools, lush kelp forests, steep canyons and an offshore seamount teeming with life—from tiny shrimp to giant blue whales. The National Marine Sanctuary System promotes environmental protection, stewardship and ocean research. We invite you to explore and help protect this national undersea treasure.