Press Releases

CONTACT:
Rachel Saunders
Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary
(831) 647-4237

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary announced today the publication of a new Field Guide to the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. The new 12-page tabloid-sized guide was developed by sanctuary staff and is designed for use by both visitors to and residents of communities adjacent to the marine sanctuary.

Cover Image of the Monterey Bay Field Guide

“We really want people to get out, explore and enjoy their marine sanctuary,” said Karen Grimmer, acting sanctuary superintendent. “Our new easy-to-carry Field Guide will introduce readers to some of the sanctuary’s natural wonders, as well as ways to experience its beauty by foot, boat, bike or car. Our view is that the more people know about and directly experience the sanctuary, the more they will want to protect it.”

The Field Guide can be used as a travel guide or for educational purposes. Readers will find information on each sanctuary habitat, from sandy beaches to the deep sea, as well as descriptions and photographs of the some of the sanctuary’s most commonly seen marine wildlife and the best times of the year to view them. It also includes tips for watching marine wildlife responsibly and keeping sanctuary waters clean. The guide includes is a detailed map of the central California coast which identifies points of interest, and a feature on things to do in and around the sanctuary.

Copies of the Field Guide may be picked up at the sanctuary office at 299 Foam Street, Monterey, Calif. The guide will also soon be available for downloading from the sanctuary‘s Web site at http://montereybay.noaa.gov

Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary stretches along 276 miles of central California coast and encompasses more than 5,300 square miles of ocean area. Renowned for its scenic beauty and remarkable productivity, the sanctuary supports one of the world’s most diverse marine ecosystems, including 33 species of marine mammals, 94 species of seabirds, 345 species of fishes and thousands of marine invertebrates and plants.

The NOAA National Marine Sanctuary Program seeks to increase the public awareness of America’s marine resources and maritime heritage by conducting scientific research, monitoring, exploration and educational programs. Today, the sanctuary program manages 13 national marine sanctuaries and one coral reef ecosystem reserve that together encompass more than 150,000 square miles of America’s ocean and Great Lakes natural and cultural resources.

NOAA, an agency of the U.S. Department of Commerce, is dedicated to enhancing economic security and national safety through the prediction and research of weather and climate-related events and providing environmental stewardship of the nation's coastal and marine resources. Through the emerging Global Earth Observation System of Systems (GEOSS), NOAA is working with its federal partners, 61 countries and the European Commission to develop a global network that is as integrated as the planet it observes, predicts and protects.

On the Internet:
NOAA - http://www.noaa.gov
National Ocean Service - https://oceanservice.noaa.gov
National Marine Sanctuary Program - http://sanctuaries.noaa.gov
Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary - http://montereybay.noaa.gov