Monterey Bay
Click on individual links below to learn more about the immediate science needs for critical management issues. For a full list of management issues and science needs, please review the MBNMS Management Plan. To contact us about the science needs described below, contact the Sanctuary Research Coordinators.
The effects of climate change, including rising water temperatures and sea levels, ocean acidification, and shifting ecosystem structure, have the potential to impact Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. (Updated September 2022)
The unique habitat and organisms associated with Davidson Seamount must be characterized and studied to enhance understanding of resource protection needs within Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. (Updated September 2022)
Better understanding of deep-sea benthic habitats and communities is required to enhance understanding of resource protection needs within Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. (Updated September 2022)
Better understanding of interactions between marine species and motorized personal watercrafts in Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary would aid in public education and outreach efforts related to this activity. (Updated September 2022)
Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary requires information on the long-term ecological effects of plane and ship groundings and sinkings to enhance sanctuary management. (Updated September 2022)
Monitoring kelp forests is necessary for further understanding of how changes in kelp canopy cover will impact Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary resources. (Updated September 2022)
Sand can be transported rapidly within Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary and is important to consider in relation to the installation or removal of any coastal structures. Hard coastal armoring in the sanctuary can potentially damage or alter local coastal habitats, interfere with sediment transport, unintentionally increase erosion, and negatively impact biological resources. (Updated September 2022)
The ability of managers to adequately protect Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary nearshore habitats in the Big Sur region from terrestrial inputs (e.g., landslides, debris flows) is hindered by incomplete knowledge of the oceanography, biology, and geology along the coastline of Big Sur. (Updated September 2022)
Management of water quality in Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary requires sophisticated planning, strategic implementation of best practices, comprehensive monitoring of conditions and management effectiveness, data integration, analysis, and reporting across a diverse group of institutions. (Updated September 2022)