INTRODUCTION

This year we have tried to add even more quantitative data, to get closer to our ultimate goal for our Ecosystem Observations--a report on the overall health of the coastal ecosystem off central California protected by the Sanctuary. One conclusion we continue to draw is that there is a need to have a comprehensive program to evaluate and monitor important components of the coastal ecosystem, from which we would then be able to provide a more objective, more robust picture of the health of our ocean system. We made good progress this year on developing such a program for the region, thanks to our regional marine science partners, in particular MBARI, who hired a research fellow and loaned him to the Sanctuary to design a regional monitoring program.

While new challenges arose regarding proposals to build new fiberoptic cables through the Sanctuary, others became opportunities. The Disney Company, which filmed several parts of the Sanctuary for a new ride at Disneyland showing California's most remarkable natural wonders, has offered to work on incorporating a Sanctuary message into future educational programs. Perhaps most rewarding was the incredible support from the central California community, who wrote letters in support of the President's unprecedented proposal to double the national marine sanctuary program's budget. Thanks to all of you who made that effort.

-William J. Douros, Superintendent
NOAA's Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary

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