Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary

Monterey Bay

276 Miles of Protected Ocean Habitat

Description

Designated a national sanctuary in 1992, the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary (MBNMS) covers 276 miles along the California coast from the town of Marin to Cambria. The federally-protected area stretches about 30 miles into the ocean all along the coastline and reaches to 10,663 feet at its deepest point. MBNMS is the nation's largest marine sanctuary and is home to over 33 marine mammal species, 345 species of fish, and 94 species of seabird, in addition to hundreds of types of flora and fauna. The institution is dedicated to education about and the preservation of marine life and the natural resources that surround it. MBNMS achieves these goals through partnerships with local agencies, educational outreach programs, scientific studies and research, and ecosystem rehabilitation projects.