Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary
| Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary | |
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| Coordinates | 34°N 120°W / 34°N 120°WCoordinates: 34°N 120°W / 34°N 120°W |
| Area | 1,470 sq mi (3,800 km2) |
| Established | 1980 |
| Governing body | National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration |
| http://www.cinms.nos.noaa.gov/ | |
The Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary is a sanctuary off the Pacific coast of Southern California. The National Marine Sanctuary program is administered by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
Established May 5, 1980, the sanctuary in the Santa Barbara Channel is an area of national significance because of its exceptional natural beauty and resources. It also had removed sheep from the islands to conserve vegetation among the islands to keep its naturaul beauty with the grass and plants. It has an area of 1,470 square miles (3,800 km2) and encompasses the waters that surround Anacapa, Santa Cruz, Santa Rosa, San Miguel and Santa Barbara Islands (five of the eight Channel Islands of California), extending from mean high tide to 6 nautical miles (11 km) offshore around each of the five islands. The sanctuary is home to an extremely rich and diverse array of marine species, making it one of the best places in the world for viewing whales and other wildlife. It also provides protection to more than 150 historic shipwrecks and is a place of important cultural significance for the Chumash people. Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary provides protection for its natural and cultural resources through education, conservation, science, and stewardship.
There are many ways to enjoy the sanctuary, including world class scuba diving, snorkeling, kayaking, boating and sailing, viewing whales and other wildlife, and fishing. The sanctuary is home to an extremely rich and diverse array of marine mammals, making it one of the best places in the world for viewing whales and other wildlife. Its beautiful waters and pristine anchorages also make the sanctuary a popular year-round destination for recreation boaters and kayakers. Chartered sailing adventures are available from Santa Barbara Harbor, and guided trips as well as kayak rentals are available.
The sanctuary is a popular destination for recreational fishing, with many chartered trips available out of local harbors. In an effort to balance recreation and conservation, the California Fish and Game Commission established a network of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) within the nearshore waters of the sanctuary in 2002. NOAA expanded the MPA network into the sanctuary's deeper waters in 2006 and 2007. The entire MPA network consists of 11 marine reserves where all take and harvest is prohibited, and two marine conservation areas that allow limited take of lobster and pelagic fish. This MPA network encompasses 241 square nautical miles (or 318 square miles).
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