The life and habitats within the waters of Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary are interconnected, and humans are part of that equation. Rather than focusing on a single species, issue, or activity separately, Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary uses an ecosystem-based management approach, which includes interactions among the physical and biological features of the marine environment, as well as human interactions.
There are multiple uses of the marine environment in this area, including:
- Transportation
- Recreational boating
- Fishing
- Scuba diving
- Surfing
- Research
- Whale watching
- Kelp harvesting
- Aquaculture
- Waste disposal
As mandated by the National Marine Sanctuaries Act, learn how sanctuary staff work with stakeholders and community partners to address resource protection issues through ecosystem-based approaches to reduce impacts and improve the health of Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary.
Wildlife Disturbance
Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary addresses wildlife disturbance through outreach, regulations, and enforcement actions.
Climate Change
Through local, regional, and national coordination, Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary is preparing for the impacts of climate change.
Water Quality
Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary works to improve water quality that impacts wildlife, habitats, and humans.
Marine Debris
Marine debris takes many forms and can impact a large variety of marine life in the sanctuary.
Introduced Species
Learn how invasions by non-native aquatic species impact sanctuary ecosystems.
Vessel Incidents
Sanctuary staff work with partners to address and remediate natural resource threats and damage caused by vessel groundings and sinkings.
Other Resource Management Issues
Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary is tasked with managing compatible human use of sanctuary resources.
Marine Protected Areas
State and federal marine protected areas are special places where human activities are carefully managed, including sanctuary ecologically significant areas.
Conservation Working Group
The advisory council working group addresses priority issues relating to sanctuary conservation.
Field Reports
View research protection reports authored by staff or supported by Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary.