Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary

Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary

Lichen encrusted rocks adorn the cliffs of Santa Cruz Island
Area 1,470 sq mi (3,800 km2)
Established 1980
Governing body National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Official website

The Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary is a reserve area off the Pacific coast of the United States, near California.

Established in 1980, the sanctuary in the Santa Barbara Channel is an area of national significance because of its exceptional natural beauty and resources. It has an area of 1,470 square miles (3,800 km2).[1] It encompasses the waters that surround Anacapa, Santa Cruz, Santa Rosa, San Miguel and Santa Barbara Islands (five of the eight Channel Islands of California), extending from mean high tide to 6 nautical miles (11 km) offshore around each of the five islands. The sanctuary's primary goal is the protection of the natural and cultural resources contained within its boundaries.

The National Marine Sanctuary program is run by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

References

  1. ^ "About the Sanctuary". Channel Island National Marine Sanctuary website. NOAA. July 14, 2010. http://channelislands.noaa.gov/focus/about.html. Retrieved 24 March 2011. 

External links