Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary

The Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary or MBNMS is a federally protected water area, just off shore of Monterey and Monterey Peninsula in California. The area runs from Marin to Cambria Counties, encompassing 276 miles of shoreline and over 6,000 square miles of ocean. This area is considered one of the most diverse marine ecosystems in the world. It is home to seabirds, mammals, fishes, invertebrates, and plants, which offer a full ecosystem able to support itself.

The federal government has protected it for research, education, and public use. It is also part of 13 marine sanctuaries that exist near the United States. Visitors can dive in the sanctuary, but require permits if they want to do research, education, or special use activities. For those who do want to conduct research there are often volunteer programs available to join. Anyone wishing to dive in the area has to abide by the regulations that allow visitors within the marine sanctuary. They must also adhere to clean water acts, keeping all waste in their boats. Kayaking is also permitted. The sanctuary has public beaches for those who want to enjoy sunny days on sandy land.