What is the largest national marine sanctuary?
located
The largest marine sanctuary is located in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument— larger than all of America’s national parks combined!
Why was the Monterey Bay Marine Sanctuary established what is its purpose?
Designated in 1992, Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary (MBNMS) is a federally protected marine area offshore of California’s central coast. MBNMS was established for the purpose of resource protection, research, education and public use.
What do National Marine Sanctuaries do?
National marine sanctuaries are special areas that protect important marine ecosystems around the nation. Some sanctuaries are breeding and feeding grounds for endangered whales, others contain thriving coral reefs or kelp forests, and many are home to historic shipwrecks and other archaeological treasures.
What was the first National Marine Sanctuary?
The USS Monitor
The USS Monitor was designated our first National Marine Sanctuary on January 30, 1975.
What is unique about Monterey Bay?
It is no wonder that the biological richness and unique habitats of Monterey Bay are teeming with wildlife and is one of the most productive marine ecosystems in the world. It is an underwater treasure full of the tiniest nudibranches to the world’s largest mammal the blue whale.
Why is Monterey Bay such an important oceanic region?
The region is a global capital for ocean science and technology and Monterey Bay is among the most studied areas of the ocean. It’s also a natural setting for science-based policy solutions, thanks to a cluster of ocean conservation organizations and government agencies bordering a network of marine protected areas.
What is special about Monterey Bay?
Why is the Monterey Bay important?
As an Important Ecological Area within the California Current Large Marine Ecosystem and home to our nation’s largest national marine sanctuary, Monterey Bay plays a vital role in the region’s marine health and biodiversity.
What is the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary?
The Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary (MBNMS) is a US Federally protected marine area offshore of California’s Big Sur and central coast. The MBNMS was established in 1992 for the purpose of resource protection, research, education, and public use.
Why is Marine Sanctuary important?
Sanctuary waters may provide a secure habitat for endangered species. Sanctuaries may also protect shipwrecks and historic artifacts. Sanctuaries also protect economically important fisheries. Marine sanctuaries often have different zones, which allow different activities.
How many national marine sanctuaries are there?
15 national marine sanctuaries
National Marine Sanctuary System The network includes a system of 15 national marine sanctuaries and Papahānaumokuākea and Rose Atoll marine national monuments.
Why is the Monterey Bay so important?
How big is Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary?
At its deepest point, MBNMS reaches 12,743 feet (more than two miles). It is one of our nation’s largest national marine sanctuaries, and is larger than Yellowstone National Park. The sanctuary contains extensive kelp forests and one of North America’s largest underwater canyons and closest-to-shore deep ocean environments.
Which is the best marine sanctuary in the US?
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!
What makes the Monterey Bay Aquarium so unique?
Monterey Bay Aquarium is unique because our living exhibits mirror the richness and diversity of the sanctuary, letting you see the bay’s varied neighborhoods and the creatures that live there. This rugged place is transformed by each crashing wave.
How big is the ocean around Monterey Bay?
It stretches from Rocky Point in Marin County, just north of the Golden Gate Bridge, to the town of Cambria in San Luis Obispo County, and encompasses a shoreline length of 276 miles (444 km) and 6,094 square miles (15,783 km 2) of ocean surrounding Monterey Bay .