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Press Release |
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FOR IMMEDIATE
RELEASE
NOAA-02-R429
September 5, 2002
CONTACT:
Rachel Saunders
NOAA Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary
(831) 647-4237
MONTEREY BAY NATIONAL MARINE SANCTUARY
CELEBRATES 10-YEAR ANNIVERSARY
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary is celebrating its 10th anniversary with a series of free weekend community events focused on promoting coastal awareness, ocean exploration and environmental stewardship throughout the month of September.
Managed by NOAA, an agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce, the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary was designated Sept. 18, 1992, as "an area of special national significance." It is the largest marine sanctuary in the nation, stretching along 276 miles of central California coast and encompassing more than 5,300 miles of ocean area.
Renowned for its scenic beauty and remarkable productivity, the sanctuary supports one of the world's most diverse marine ecosystems, including 33 species of marine mammals, 94 species of seabirds, 345 species of fishes and thousands of marine invertebrates and plants.
"The Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary exists to conserve this unique environment now and for the future for all who care about, enjoy and make their living from the sea," said sanctuary Superintendent William Douros. "During the past 10 years, with the work of many partners, we have accomplished a great deal and we look forward to applying what we have learned as we work to update our management plan over the next year."
To kick-off the month-long celebration, NOAA's Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary has also launched a new, enhanced web site where the public can learn more about the Sanctuary and its efforts to conserve ocean and coastal treasures. The public is encouraged to visit the new site at http://montereybay.nos.noaa.gov .
September anniversary celebration activities for the Sanctuary include the following:
• San Simeon Celebration, Saturday, Sept. 7, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Kayak tours, ocean fair, beach barbecue and formal dedication of a new sanctuary interpretive exhibit at Hearst Castle Visitor Center. For more information call (805) 927-2145.
• Half Moon Bay Celebration, Saturday, Sept. 14, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Ocean fair, formal dedication of a new sanctuary field office and state parks visitor center grand opening. For more information call (650) 712-8909.
• Monterey Celebration, Saturday, Sept. 21, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. Ocean fair, boat rides, environmental games, concert by Linda Arnold, acclaimed children's performing artist. For more information call (831) 647-4255.
• Santa Cruz Celebration, Saturday, Sept. 28, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. Ocean fair, live sharks, children's treasure hunt and puppet show, live music and formal ceremonies with dignitaries. For more information call (831) 420-1630.
"We are certainly grateful to local communities, our Sanctuary Advisory Council and other agencies for joining with us to solve management issues, educate the public and conduct vital research and monitoring programs," Douros said. "Together we have made a difference."
NOAA's Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary natural resources include the nation's largest kelp forest, and one of North America's largest underwater canyons (reaching a water depth of 2 miles). The sanctuary also supports a variety of commercial and recreational activities including fishing, boating, diving, surfing, kayaking and whalewatching.
The NOAA's National Marine Sanctuary Program (NMSP) seeks to increase the public awareness of America's maritime heritage by conducting scientific research, monitoring, exploration, and educational programs.
Today, 13 national marine sanctuaries encompass more than 18,000 square miles of America's ocean and Great Lakes natural and cultural resources. In addition, the NMSP is now conducting a sanctuary designation process to eventually incorporate the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Coral Reef Ecosystem Reserve into the national sanctuary system.
NOAA's National Ocean Service (NOAA Ocean Service) manages the National Marine Sanctuary Program, and is dedicated to exploring, understanding, conserving, and restoring the nation's coasts and oceans. NOAA Ocean Service balances environmental protection with economic prosperity in fulfilling its mission of promoting safe navigation, supporting coastal communities, sustaining coastal habitats, and mitigating coastal hazards. To learn more about NOAA Ocean Service and the National Marine Sanctuary Program, please visit http://nos.noaa.gov.
