Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary
The Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary is the ocean's equivalent of a national park. It has been preserved in its natural state as the public's marine playground. No matter which aquatic experience you prefer — sailing, fishing, whale watching, kayaking, surfing, scuba diving, or just splashing around — the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary is your 5,322 square mile recreation center.
Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary: The Nation's Largest Aquatic Park
The largest marine sanctuary in the United States, the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary (MBNMS) stretches for 276 miles along California's coast and covers 5,322 square miles of ocean. The MBNMS provides a home for 4 turtle species, 26 species of marine mammal, 94 seabird species, 345 fish species, over 450 species of marine plants, and 31 phyla of invertebrates. The largest kelp forest in the United States and one of the largest underwater canyons in North America are both located in the MBNMS, as well as one of the largest known seamounts in the US, the Davidson Seamount.
Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Activities: Kayaking, Scuba Diving, Sailing, Fishing, Whale Watching and More!
The Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary isn't just a spot for marine researchers. With gray whales, blue whales, minke whales, fin whales, humpback whales, pacific right whales and sperm whales all migrating through or living in the MBNMS, it's the perfect site for whale watching expeditions. Visitors can go sailing and kayaking to enjoy the beauty of the MBNMS. It's also a popular spot for divers to do some underwater sightseeing.
Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary's Davidson Seamount
Deep-sea coral forests thrive on the Davidson Seamount. Much like forests on land, they provide a home to many other species, some of which have yet to be identified. The Davidson Seamount also hosts sponge fields, deep-sea fishes, crabs, shrimp, and many other species. By incorporating it into the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, the federal government has ensured that this unique marine area can be studied by research organizations and preserved for future generations.
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