 The Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Celebrates Ten Years of Coastal Protection!
Since 1992, the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary (MBNMS) has been protecting the coastal ecosystem of central California by conducting scientific research, monitoring, public education, and outreach programs that inspire sustainable use of the Sanctuary’s unique resources. With over 5,300 square miles of water, the Sanctuary stretches along the central California coast from the Marin Headlands north of San Francisco to Cambria in San Luis Obispo County, and protects many habitats, from sandy beaches and kelp forest to one of the largest underwater canyons on the west coast. Nutrient–rich currents nourish and support a productive and diverse marine ecosystem where countless species—many of them threatened or endangered—make their homes. This September marks the tenth anniversary of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary’s designation, and you’re invited to join in the celebration festivities! NOAA’s Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary and a variety of regional partners are hosting a series of events to commemorate the ten–year anniversary of the Sanctuary. Members and friends of the California Biodiversity Council are encouraged to join us at one or more of these fun–filled celebrations along the Sanctuary’s shoreline, and in particular, the Ocean’s Fair on September 21.  San Simeon, Saturday, September 7: All–day activities include guided kayaking trips, an environmental fair, a beach barbeque at Hearst Memorial State Beach, and the dedication of a new Sanctuary interpretive exhibit at the Hearst Castle Visitor Center. Evening festivities include a dinner reception and special showing of Living Edens: Big Sur with the film’s director at the National Geographic Theater in San Simeon. Half Moon Bay, Saturday, September 14: Festivities TBA. Monterey, Friday, September 20: Dinner and evening panel discussion hosted by Leon Panetta. Monterey, Saturday, September 21: Festivities from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm at Custom House Plaza include ocean exhibits from around the nation, boat rides and tours, birthday cake, and formal ceremonies. Special hands–on children’s activities and entertainment will include an ocean treasure hunt, puppet show, and performance by noted children’s singer Linda Arnold. Santa Cruz, Saturday, September 28: Festivities from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm at the Santa Cruz Wharf include ocean exhibits and hands–on activities, live sharks, children’s treasure hunt and puppet show, live music, birthday cake, and formal ceremonies. California Biodiversity News: Volume 9, Number 2 |