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Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary

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Credits: (NOAA Office of National Marine Sanctuaries)
While fimling underwater, a harbor seal comes up and taps on our National Marine Sanctuaries videographer.

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Site Information

The largest of 13 U.S. National Marine Sanctuaries

Location

United States of America - contiguous mainland (and islands contained within the contiguous EEZ boundary) only

Region

North East Pacific

Type

National Marine Sanctuary

Designation Status

Formally designated

Established

1992-09-18

Designating Legislation/Agreement

The National Marine Sancturies Act (USA) 1972

Area

13776.1468 square kilometers of sea
13776.1468 square kilometers overall, including land

No-take Area

Not yet known

Habitats

Intertidal , Subtidal

Management Objectives

The Monterey Submarine Canyon is unique in its size, configuration, and proximity to shore. Monterey Bay itself is a rare geological feature, as it is one of the few large embayments along the Pacific coast.
The area contains significant historical, e.g., archaeological and paleontological, resources, such as Costanoan Indian midden deposits, aboriginal remains and sunken ships and aircraft.

IUCN Management Category

Managed By

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Office of National Marine Sanctuaries

Active Management Began

1992-09-18

Active Management Ended

Not yet known

Management Websites

http://sanctuaries.noaa.gov
http://montereybay.noaa.gov
http://sanctuarysimon.org

MPA Website

http://montereybay.noaa.gov

Site Information

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In Depth

Zones

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Recognized Versions

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Historical Versions

No previous versions

Core data on marine protected areas presented in this content management system were extracted from the 2007 World Database on Protected Areas (The WDPA is a joint product of UNEP and the IUCN, prepared by UNEP-WCMC and the IUCN WCPA working with Governments, the Secretariats of MEAs and collaborating NGOs). Updates to the core data will be synchronised with the WDPA on a regular basis. The boundary information shown in Google Earth has been simplified and is for illustration purposes only. All boundary data uploaded through this content management system will be shared in its original form with the WDPA.

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Text:	Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary is the nation’s largest marine sanctuary, spanning over 5,319-square miles of coastal waters off central California. Within its boundaries are a rich array of habitats, from rugged rocky shores and lush kelp forests to one of the deepest underwater canyons in North America. These habitats abound with life, from tiny plants to huge blue whales. With its great diversity of habitats and life, the sanctuary is a national focus for marine research and education.
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Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary

Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary

Multimedia

Site Information

Site Information

Underwater canyon that is larger than Grand Canyon

In Depth

Zones

Recognized Versions

Historical Versions