Blue Innovation: Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary

Photo credit: NOAA. Image description: People walking into and nearby a large visitor center building.

Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary will be exhibiting at Blue Innovation 2022.

Photo credit: Chad King/NOAA. Image description: Two dolphins, with black and white coloration, leaping out of the ocean.

Designated in 1992, Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary is a federally protected marine area offshore of California's central coast and the largest national marine sanctuary in the continental U.S. The sanctuary off of the California central coast encompasses a shoreline length of 276 miles and serves as a premier destination for research, conservation, education, and tourism.

Marine research, monitoring, and conservation activities in this area are popular for numerous reasons. The region is home  to the nation’s largest kelp forests, one of North America’s largest underwater canyons, and an incredible variety of marine life. Nicknamed “Known as the ‘Serengeti of the Sea,’ this area contains an astounding 36 species of marine mammals, more than 180 species of seabirds and shorebirds, at least 525 species of fishes, and an abundance of invertebrates and algae. There are approximately 1300 reported shipwrecks and more than 700 prehistoric sites in the area. Visitors travel from all over to glove to partake in activities such as whale watching, boating, surfing, kayaking, fishing, tide-pooling, and diving.