Field Reports
Field reports authored by staff or supported by Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary.
First Flush
Dry Run and First Flush reports highlight the annual First Flush volunteer water quality monitoring program in Monterey County. Volunteers monitor storm drain outfalls during the first major rain event of the season, assessing water quality to track pollutants and support environmental health efforts. This collaborative effort provides valuable data for maintaining and improving local water quality.
Snapshot Day
Snapshot Day reports highlight the annual one-day "snapshot" monitoring event of the water quality health in watersheds that drain to Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. Volunteers measure water temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, and conductivity in the field and collect water samples for laboratory analysis of nutrients and bacteria levels.
Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Vessel Traffic Analysis
Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary staff analyzed Automatic Identification System data from Marine Traffic and United States Coast Guard to evaluate compliance by cargo vessels and tankers with the International Maritime Organization recommended vessel tracks in the sanctuary.
Marine debris on the shoreline of Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary: An assessment of behaviors contributing to marine debris, categories & composition, spatial distribution, and predictor variables
This 2023 report identifies prevalent types of marine debris on Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary shoreline and their distribution in order to assess potential sources and transport mechanisms. The data analyzed was collected by five citizen science programs along the entire 276 miles (444 kilometers) of shoreline over a five-year period from January 1, 2017 to December 31, 2021, providing a total of 4,725 survey points collected by more than 37,000 volunteers. A summary infographic is available.
Effects of Land-Based Anthropogenic Noise on Reproductive Success in Harbor Seals (Phoca vitulina) in Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary
This 2023 report investigated the impact of land-based noise disturbance on harbor seals in Pacific Grove, California, which is located along the shoreline of Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. The study was carried out using surveys and field observations from the 2021 and 2022 pupping seasons. The review examines the magnitude and frequency of noise sources that the seals are exposed to, including human and animal disturbance, vehicles, and construction. It also examines the behavioral responses to noise, including head alerts, flushing, and avoidance.
Climate Change Impacts: Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary
The impacts of climate change are intensifying both globally and locally, threatening America’s physical, social, economic, and environmental well-being. National marine sanctuaries and monuments must contend with rising water temperatures and sea levels, water that is more acidic and contains less oxygen, shifting species, and altered weather patterns and storms. While all of our sanctuaries and monuments must face these global effects of climate change, each is affected differently. This report explores how Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary is being, and is projected to be, affected by climate change
To request archived Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary filed reports, email: montereybay@noaa.gov.