Sanctuary Regulations

Sea lions resting on a coastal rock jetty
California sea lions (Zalophus californianus) find food and refuge in sanctuary waters. Photo: Melissa Anne Thomas/Get Into Your Sanctuary Photo Contest

Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary is managed under the authority of the National Marine Sanctuaries Act (NMSA). Under the NMSA, the sanctuary has the ability to grant permits for prohibited activities and enforce sanctuary regulations. Information contained in these pages will help you plan a project, report an incident of concern, or learn more about protecting the natural and cultural resources in Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary.

male elephant seal resting on a beach

Permits

A permit is required when an individual conducts a regulated activity within the sanctuary boundaries and certain activities within special regulatory zones

a moon setting over the ocean with birds flying by

Regulations and Boundaries

Learn the rules and regulations that help ensure activities within the sanctuary happen in ways, and at places, that are not harmful to sanctuary resources.