The Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary covers 350 miles of coastline from San Francisco to Cambria. It is the largest of the 13 national marine sanctuaries in the U.S. under the jurisdiction of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). You can visit their website at www.mbnms.nos.noaa.gov

The sanctuaries were created to protect areas of the marine environment that have special significance for the benefit of current and future generations. The goals of the Marine Sanctuaries are to protect the natural ecosystem , promote research that will help us learn more about the ecosystems in the Sanctuary, and, public education and involvement. Many groups enjoy and participate in using the Sanctuary with such activities as boating, fishing, whale watching, kayaking, diving, surfing, and beachcombing.

The Compass Monument at Hearst Castle.

In every season, there are many fun things to do in the Sanctuary.

	WINTER Northern Elephant Seal pupping and breeding starts in January and goes into March at Ano Nuevo near San Francisco and locally here at Piedras Blancas near the Lighthouse. Weaned pups remain at these sites until May, but there are usually small groups of these seals on the beach year round.
	SPRING Strong winds make this the best season for windsurfing and sailing. This is also a great time for wildflower viewing on the coastal bluffs.
	SUMMER Coastal fog cools the summer heat. This is a good time to walk along the beach, check out the tidepools, or bird watch. Ocean kayaking is becoming a popular activity in the Sanctuary.
	FALL Gray whales start their migration southward in October. Viewing from shore or a whale watching boat can be exciting family activities. Clear waters also make for good diving trips.

Whatever seasons you visit the Sanctuary, please take time to enjoy this unique and special place.