Research and Monitoring

Scuba diver making a giant stride entry into the water off a research vessel — Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary researchers often conduct their research and monitoring operations from R/V *Fulmar*. Photo: Steve Lonhart/NOAA

Science activities address specific management issues, enhance ecosystem protection, and support educational interpretation of the ecosystem. Sanctuary staff partner with regional scientists and institutions to help coordinate sanctuary resource monitoring, research, and restoration.

Group of white pelicans with white feathers and orange beaks wading in shallow water at Elkhorn Slough

Climate Change: Elkhorn Slough

Elkhorn Slough has become the focus of new and on-going conservation and restoration efforts. These restoration projects and improvements in land management practices should result in measurable improvements in water and habitat quality in portions of the slough, and increase resilience to climate change.

A manta trawl being towed on the ocean surface.

Marine Debris: Microplastics

Sanctuary staff aim to understand the amount, types, and sources of marine debris through research, and focus on ways to work with coastal and inland communities to reduce these inputs.

pink, yellow, and white branching organisms grow from a rocky surface in a dark ocean habitat with a crab and small sea star

Deep-Sea Coral and Sponge Community Observatory at Sur Ridge

Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary and Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute scientists continue to explore and study this remarkable underwater oasis, and aim to better understand the impacts of climate change on the lush corals and sponges living there.

Black Abalone

Learn about recovery and relocation efforts for endangered black abalone affected by landslides along the Big Sur coastline.

Sanctuary Integrated Monitoring Network (SIMoN)

A wide variety of long-term research and monitoring activities are underway within the sanctuary, led by various academic, agency, and non-governmental partners. Learn more within the SIMoN website.

Blue and yellow sponges surrounding orange cup corals.

Condition Report

Sanctuary staff and partners are developing products to dynamically and interactively update the status and trend information used to assess the condition of sanctuary resources. Interactive status and trend infographics will make status and trend information readily available to everyone including managers, scientists, educators, and the public.