Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary

NOAA's Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary hosts a remarkably productive marine environment containing extensive kelp forests, rugged rocky shores, wave-swept sandy beaches, tranquil estuaries, towering seamounts, and deep-sea canyons. Stretching 276 miles of coastline and consisting of 6,094 square miles, the sanctuary was designated in 1992 to protect incredible marine ecosystems and cultural and maritime resources while promoting sustainable use.