The Gulf of the Farallones
National Marine Sanctuary is a large expanse of
Pacific Ocean along with nearshore tidal flats,
rocky intertidal areas, wetlands, subtidal reefs,
and coastal beaches. The Farallon Islands, 30 miles
(26 nautical miles) west of the Golden Gate Bridge
in the south central part of the sanctuary, are a
national wildlife refuge, offering resting and
breeding sites for marine mammals and seabirds,
lured by nutrient-rich waters. The sanctuary has
thousands of seals and sea lions, and is home to
the largest concentration of breeding seabirds in
the continental U.S. The resources are protected by
managing human activities that may damage habitat
and species, by supporting restoration projects to
revitalize disturbed areas, and by monitoring
programs that provide information to assess changes
from natural and human disturbance.
The photo gallery contains
images which portray only a small portion of the
living and physical resources of the sanctuary. In
addition, it portrays some of the major uses of the
sanctuary, images of the 1999 sustainable seas
expedition, and the artwork of children who have
visited. For a more detailed description of the
marvels of the Gulf of the Farallones National
Marine Sanctuary visit the
Gulf
of the Farallones description in the Marine
Sanctuaries section
of this site.
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The
Collection
The
Living Sanctuary
presents 21 photos depicting marine mammals, fish,
birds, invertebrates, and algae. Among these images
are elephant seals, white sharks, black-necked
stilts, rockfish, giant green anemone, and
pelicans, to name just a few.
Habitats
presents 18 photos depicting the various marine and
nearshore habitats making up the sanctuary.
Included in this section you will find images of
seafloor topography, rocky intertidal areas, kelp
rafts, seal haul out sites, and many other
beautiful natural scenes.
People
and the Sanctuary
presents 23 images depicting the many ways that
human beings utilize the sanctuary and its adjacent
areas. You will see people recreating, working,
volunteering their time, and learning the important
lessons that the sanctuary has to offer.
The Sustainable
Seas Expeditions
presents 37 images depicting the submersible
launches, training, topside activities, and
interaction with the general public. These images
are from both the Cordell Bank and Gulf of the
Farallones expeditions due to the fact that both
sanctuaries were explored during the same
mission.
The Kids
Gallery presents 5
submissions. Please browse the 3 poems and 2
drawings submitted by school aged kids from the San
Francisco area.
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