Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary

  • map of the MBNMS

    The Sanctuary protects 6,094 square statute miles (4,601 nmi2) of ocean

  • sea otter at the surface

    34 species of marine mammals are found in the Sanctuary

  • Shorebird walking on slough

    The Sanctuary boundary includes the Elkhorn Slough

  • Volunteers working at shoreline

    Volunteers assist the Sanctuary in many ways

News & Upcoming Events

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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.
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URL: http://montereybay.noaa.gov/welcome.html    Reviewed: August 24, 2016
Web Site Owner: National Ocean Service

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