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Field Guide to the NATIONAL MARINE SANCTUARY

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Welcome to the Monterey Bay Discover Amazing Wildlife! Kids Pages How’s the ? Get Out and Do It! National Marine Sanctuary Explore&Enjoy the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary! his guide introduces you to some of the sanctuary’s natural wonders—including spectacular wildlife, unique , cultural resources, and endangered species— Tas well as ways to experience its beauty by foot, boat, bike, or car. Walk along cliffs while pelicans glide past, or cruise the by kayak shadowed by curious harbor seals. Dive into towering , or join scurrying sandpipers at the water’s edge.

least explored ecosystems. If we are to live on this planet in ways that sustain our needs, we must better understand the world’s oceans, and accord them the protection they deserve. Marine sanctuaries are one way to protect the marine environment, ensuring a healthy future for us all.

A special place The Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary is the nation’s largest marine protected area (larger than either Yosemite or Yellowstone National Parks), spanning 5,322 square miles (13,727 sq. km) along Central ’s coast from the Marin Headlands south to Cambria. Congress designated the sanctuary Snowy egret in 1992 for its biological richness, unique habitats, Powerful waves are common along sanctuary shores. sensitive and endangered , and the presence of What is a National Marine Sanctuary? shipwrecks and other cultural relics. Many uses National marine sanctuaries are our nation’s The sanctuary supports many human uses. underwater “crown jewels,” much like our treasured Along the coast, sheer cliffs, rugged rocky shores, Commercial and recreational fishing, marine national parks. NOAA’s National Marine Sanctuary wave-swept sandy beaches and placid wetlands afford research, and recreational activities like diving, Program serves as the trustee for a system of important feeding, breeding and resting areas for a kayaking, boating and surfing all take place here. 14 underwater parks ranging from Washington to huge variety of species. Some inhabitants, like the However some activities that could harm the , and Lake Huron to American Samoa. western snowy plover are endangered, others like the sanctuary’s —such as oil drilling, ocean Within their protected waters, humpback whales California are threatened. Offshore, equally dumping or seabed mining—are not allowed. breed and calve, coral colonies flourish and varied habitats support a wealth of . Lush kelp shipwrecks tell the stories of our maritime history. forests are rich with crabs, snails, sea stars, octopus Commercial fishing for salmon, rockfish, sole, and a multitude of fishes. Farther from shore, the swordfish, squid, , anchovy, albacore and To protect the special natural and cultural features seafloor is covered with sand or mud, and harbors other species is an economic mainstay in the of each sanctuary, we conduct research, monitoring, colorful communities of fishes and sanctuary’s ports. has played an important public education and outreach programs while including and market squid. Deep offshore, role in the history of this region, as many coastal carefully managing recreational and commercial uses. the massive Monterey submarine canyon descends cities can look back to immigrant fishermen from Together with our partners and the public, we two miles into the dark abyss, and is populated countries such as Italy, China, and Japan as a source carry out our mission of preserving American’s ocean with strange-looking creatures like vampire squid of their cultural identity. and Great Lakes treasures now and for the future. and lanternfish.

Why have sanctuaries? Seasonal winds play an important role in the Our very existence and future depends upon the sea, oceanography of the sanctuary. During the spring THE SANCTUARY yet oceans worldwide are being harmed by human and summer, northwest winds push the surface AT A GLANCE activities such as pollution, destruction, fishing waters offshore, replacing them with cold water from and coastal development. Oceans cover more than greater depths.These waters are rich in , The Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary: 70 percent of the earth, yet they are among the fueling the growth of phytoplankton—the basis • encompasses 5,312 square miles—about the for the sanctuary’s rich marine . size of Connecticut Known as coastal upwelling, this process • extends along one quarter of California’s coast, also creates fog as cold, upwelled and as far as 53 miles offshore waters cool the moist ocean air along • is the largest marine sanctuary in the U.S. and one the coast. of the largest marine protected areas in the world The sanctuary lies within the California Current System, The sanctuary features: which carries waters of differing • the Monterey Submarine Canyon—twice as deep temperatures and salinity, attracting as the a wide variety of — both predators and prey.The • the largest expanse of kelp beds in the nation central coast is also a meeting place • 34 species of marine , 130 species of where species from the north seabirds, 345 species of fish, 4 species of turtles, and south overlap, resulting in a rich countless invertebrates and more than 450 diversity of life. species of algae • 26 threatened or endangered species • 1,276 shipwrecks and 718 prehistoric sites

2 Field Guide to the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary variety of habitats are found within the sanctuary, SANCTUARY from quiet wetlands and wave-swept beaches to A majestic kelp forests and deep, dark canyons. HABITATS These habitats support a wealth and diversity of life unrivaled in the world’s oceans.

Sandy beaches, drying conditions.At high tide, huge waves Kelp forests rival coral () and swimmers. Plankton— ranging despite their barren may roll in, pounding the shoreline with reefs and rain forests from microscopic organisms to large jellies— appearance, are full of crashing surf. Creatures who live here, sea stars, for their richness generally drift or weakly life.Animals who live snails, crabs and sea anemones—are adapted to and diversity of life. swim with the currents. here, such as worms, withstand these extreme conditions. Look just offshore, Strong ocean swim- clams, sand crabs or sand and you’ll see a brown mers like fishes, dollars must be able to burrow, Wave-protected wetlands tangle of seaweed at the whales, sea turtles and move in and out with the tides, and contend afford a calm refuge ocean’s surface. Down below, majestic kelp squid usually travel great with surging waves and moving sands. for a huge diversity tower 100 feet above the ocean floor distances to find food. of animals. Elkhorn forming a lush teeming with fishes and At the rocky shore, water advances and retreats , at the other life. Sea otters frequent kelp forests The deep sea is the largest, but least daily with the changing middle of Monterey in search of shellfish, like crabs and understood region on earth. Several tides, making it Bay, is one of the largest sea urchins. submarine canyons carve into the alternately part of remaining coastal wetlands in sanctuary’s seafloor, the largest of land and ocean.At California. Quiet slough waters are an The open sea is a vast, fluid which is the Monterey Canyon. low tide, the shore important nursery for more than 80 species of and edgeless world. Life in The canyon harbors seldom-seen is exposed, leaving fishes, and teem with hundreds of thousands of the open sea is divided into deep-water species adapted to life to endure sun and migratory birds during winter. two broad groups: drifters darkness, cold water, and high pressure.

Wildlife Viewing Calendar WILDLIFE VIEWING TIPS This calendar shows what time of year you can expect to see certain animals around the sanctuary.To find out where to see them, have a look at the map on pages 6-7. he sanctuary is one of the • Stay away from wildlife that best places in the world to see appears abandoned or sick. JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC marine wildlife. Here are Some animals, such as seals, beach SEABIRDS T Common murre some tips to help you enjoy watching themselves on purpose.Young E California least tern wildlife—and view them responsibly— animals appearing orphaned may so you don’t disturb the animals or actually be under the watchful eye E California their homes: of a nearby parent. If you see an Brandt’s cormorant • Learn before you go. To get the injured, sick, or abandoned , Sooty shearwater most from your experience, learn contact the authorities listed below. Caspian tern about where and when to see • Wildlife and pets don’t mix. T wildlife. Many species are found Wild animals can injure or spread only in specific habitats. Seasonal disease to pets, and pets can harm SHOREBIRDS/WADERS and daily cycles can influence an or disturb wildlife. Keep pets on a T Snowy plover animal’s whereabouts too. Use leash or away from areas frequented Least sandpiper Western sandpiper the Internet, guidebooks and by wildlife. Sanderling identification keys, or talk • Avoid sensitive habitats. Willet with local environmental groups Observe signs directing you Marbled Godwit or guides to maximize your away from important nesting or Great blue heron viewing opportunities. resting areas. Great egret • Keep your distance and never • Take only memories and leave chase or harass wildlife. Use SEALS/SEA LIONS only footprints. Dispose of trash binoculars, spotting scopes or zoom properly and pick up litter. Marine Elephant seal lenses for a closer look.You’ll enjoy animals can get entangled in debris the animals more when you observe or mistake it for food. E Steller sea lion them behaving naturally. If wildlife Northern seal appears nervous, fidgety or starts to • Help others become responsible flee, you are too close slowly and wildlife watchers. Speak up if you notice other viewers behaving in a WHALES/DOLPHINS calmly back away. way that disturbs wildlife. E • Hands off. Tidepool and beach E animals die quickly if removed If you see sick or injured marine from their habitat. If you’re quiet wildlife, contact: Killer whale (orca) and look closely,you’ll see much Pacific white-sided dolphin • Marine mammals or sea turtles: more. Enjoy the animals in their Risso’s dolphin Call the Marine Center natural environment, and leave them Common dolphin at (415) 289-SEAL (7325) or in where you find them. Bottlenose dolphin the Monterey Bay area, call Harbor porpoise • Don’t feed wildlife. Wild animals (831) 633-6298. may not be able to digest human • Seabirds: In San Mateo County, SEA OTTERS food, and can get sick if they do. call the Peninsula Humane Society T Southern sea otter Feeding may also cause animals to at (650) 340-8200. In Santa become attracted to humans, a Cruz County, call Native Animal SEA TURTLES potentially dangerous situation for Rescue at (831) 462-0726. In E Leatherback sea turtle both wildlife and people. Monterey County, call the SPCA at (831) 373-2631. In San Luis Obispo County, call Pacific Wildlife *Note: the number of seabirds in the sanctuary is lowest in March/April, increasing to a peak in Sept., then declines Care at (805) 543-WILD (9453). through the winter. The population of shorebirds is highest in late Oct-early Nov, declining as they continue south; it peaks again in April or May, as they migrate back to northern breeding grounds.

E endangered T threatened can usually be found somewhere in the sanctuary doesn’t always occur annually

Field Guide to the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary 3 Amazing DISCOVER Wildlife hether you walk, bike, boat, or drive, you can’t miss some of the best scenery and wildlife viewing on Earth! Like Africa’s Serengeti Plain, the sanctuary offers spectacular wildlife watching with its Wwealth and diversity of animals, many of which can be seen easily from shore.

SANCTUARY HABITATS people walking along the to weasels, skunks and river Sandy beach shore or follow divers or otters, and like them, have swimmers in the water. Fast stubby front paws. Usually Rocky intertidal predators, they hunt for a found in or near kelp forests, Sloughs and variety of fishes and crabs. they rarely come ashore. Kelp forests Females give birth to one They rest by wrapping Sandy or muddy sea floor pup each spring. themselves in kelp to keep from drifting away. Sea otters Deep sea and open ocean Northern Elephant Seal eat , urchins, snails, Gray Whale Killer Whale octopus, crabs and other MAGNIFICENT One of the largest true seals, shellfish, often placing a rock The most commonly seen Killer whales, or Orcas MARINE MAMMALS elephant seals live on on their chest to pound open baleen whale in the sanctu- are seen year-round With more than 30 species, beaches and offshore islands hard-shelled prey. Lacking ary, California gray whales in the sanctuary, but most you can find marine when breeding (December to blubber, they burn calories migrate 12,000 miles each frequently in the spring, mammals here in abundance March) or molting (summer), quickly and may eat up to year from feeding grounds in corresponding to the every day. Look just offshore otherwise feeding far off- 25 percent of their body the Bering Sea to calving migration of mother gray for shy harbors seals, noisy shore. Diving more than a weight each day. They lagoons in Baja California whales and calves. Killer sea lions or curious sea California Sea Lion mile deep, they feed on depend on their thick, and back. Grays travel close whales patrol the canyon otters. In winter, watch for the , fishes and squid. Social, playful and loud, water-resistant fur to stay to shore in small groups, edges searching for grays— heart-shaped blows of gray Adult males with their large California sea lions pack warm. Fur traders seeking passing south along the feeding upon their calves. whales as they travel close elephant-like noses and long together on rocks, jetties and their lush pelts hunted the sanctuary’s coast from late to shore. Three major groups canine teeth engage in under wharves. Their piercing otters to near- in November to mid-February of marine mammals can bloody battles to establish bark can be heard from quite the 1700s and 1800s. The and north again from be seen in the sanctuary: territories and harems of a distance. In the water they population has grown very February to mid-May. seals and sea lions; whales, females. Once hunted nearly rest on the surface in "rafts" slowly over the years, and dolphins and porpoises; to extinction, they’ve staged of many animals, with heads is still threatened by oil and sea otters. a remarkable comeback, with and flippers poking above spills, pollution and other a population today of over the water. They can also be human disturbances. SEALS AND SEA LIONS 150,000. The best places to seen body surfing and “por- Seals and sea lions can be see them are at Año Nuevo poising,” or leaping high out WHALES, DOLPHINS hard to tell apart. They both Common Dolphin State Reserve and Point of the water. Males are dark AND PORPOISES have thick layers of fur Piedras Blancas. brown, and can weigh up to Whales, dolphins and Common dolphins are very and fat to keep warm, and 1,000 pounds, while females porpoises are divided into social, traveling in pods of tapering bodies and strong are considerably lighter and two groups: toothed and up to 2,000 animals. These flippers for fast swimming. Humpback Whale smaller. They feed offshore baleen. Baleen whales, such active dolphins are often They spend most of their time for squid, herring, anchovies, as blue, gray and humpback Both humpback and blue seen riding the bow wave of at sea, but come ashore to salmon, hake, and rockfish. whales, have hundreds of whales visit sanctuary waters boats, leaping high into the rest or give birth. True seals comb-like plates with stiff in the summer and fall, air, or even somersaulting. or “earless” seals, like the bristles growing from the attracted here by their prey— Other types of dolphins harbor seal, lack visible upper jaw to strain small great swarms of krill. and porpoises found in the earflaps. On land, they food from huge mouthfuls Humpbacks, like this one, sanctuary include Dall’s wriggle awkwardly on of water. Toothed whales, also dive for schools of porpoise, pacific white-sided their bellies. Eared seals, Harbor Seal including dolphins, squid, anchovies or sardines. dolphins, Risso’s dolphins including fur seals and sea Quiet and shy, plump harbor porpoises, sperm whales and bottlenose dolphins. lions, have external ear flaps seals can be seen year- and orcas, use sharp, and much larger flippers they round, resting lazily on pointed teeth to catch fish use to “walk” on land. rocks just offshore. These Southern Sea Otter and other large prey. small sausage-shaped seals have spotted silver-gray to SEA OTTERS black coats. Often curious, (Threatened) harbor seals will watch The smallest in North America, sea otters are actually related

TURTLE TALES where leatherbacks spend Although other species of their time in the open sea. sea turtles may be sighted Accidental entanglement in occasionally in sanctuary fishing nets, over-harvesting waters, the leatherback, the of eggs and adults, and largest turtle in the world, is disturbance at nesting sites the most regular visitor here. has reduced their population Leatherbacks arrive here in in the Pacific Ocean by the summer and fall to feast Leatherback turtle 95 percent, making them a on jellies. highly endangered species. (Endangered) Seeing a leatherback turtle is a rare treat since they spend most of their time underwa- ter. The deepest diving ani- mals known, with the largest geographic range of any reptile, leatherbacks are found in all the world’s oceans. A great mystery is

4 Field Guide to the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary and beaches of the sanctuary. their nests are vulnerable to frozen before lunging for Some seabirds,like albatrosses, human disturbance. Habitat fish, crabs and other prey. storm-petrels, and shearwaters, loss and by They are seen often at remain far out at sea where introduced species, such . they feed and rest, coming as the red fox, have also ashore only to breed. Coastal contributed to a serious decline seabirds stay closer to shore in the snowy plover population. and include the brown pelican, loons, cormorants, scoters, Brown pelican Sooty shearwater grebes and gulls. (Endangered) Seen flying offshore in flocks of Easily recognizable by their hundreds of thousands near large pouch, pelicans are rich feeding grounds, or resting Pelagic Cormorant often seen flying in flocks on the water in tight flocks, above the ocean searching for sooty shearwaters are the BOUNTIFUL BIRDS Like most diving birds, schooling fish like sardines or most abundant seabird in the They come in all shapes and cormorants are skilled at anchovies. With their keen sanctuary from May through sizes, and stand alone in Great blue heron fishing, but unlike them, their eyesight, they can spot fish September. This wide ranging marshes or fly in flocks of feathers have no natural water- from heights of 20 to 60 feet seabird nests on sub- thousands out at sea. The proofing oils. A cormorant’s and will abruptly dive for them. islands off , Snowy plover Over four feet (1.2 meters) sanctuary is situated along the feathers soak up water, helping After a successful dive, a Tasmania, and Chile before tall with a wingspan of up to Pacific Flyway, the path taken (Threatened) it dive deep, but it must pelican drains the water from migrating north to spend the seven feet (2.1 meters), by birds during their migration These diminutive shorebirds spend a lot of time perched its pouch and swallows the winter in warmer Northern these herons have long legs, between southern wintering winter and nest along sandy on rocks, spreading its wings fish headfirst. Their dramatic Hemisphere seas. Sooties a large blue-gray body, and grounds and northern breeding beaches and tidal flats. They to dry them. Three kinds of population decline in the are attracted here by an a long, elegant neck. sites. About 130 different hunt for small invertebrates cormorants inhabit the 1960s was traced to the abundance of prey, including Although graceful when marine birds are found in the found in beached seaweed and walking or flying, they flap sanctuary. The smallest pesticide DDT, which caused sardines, rockfishes, squid, sanctuary. Based on their other wrack. Plover nests are their wings awkwardly in species, the pelagic cormorant, their eggshells to become thin and krill. habitat and food, marine birds just a mere depression in the takeoffs and landings. can dive to 180 feet (55 and fragile. When DDT are usually divided into two sand, and the parents incubate Herons are noisy in their meters) to catch small fishes. was banned in 1972, the groups: shorebirds and waders, the eggs around the clock for nests, but wade silently population began to rebound, and seabirds. Shorebirds and 28 days. Once the chicks through wetlands, standing but still remains endangered waders, such as sandpipers, hatch, the male cares for them. along the Pacific Coast. plovers, avocets, herons and Because beaches are popular egrets, forage along wetlands recreational sites, plovers and

FABULOUS FISHES their one to four years at sea. about where they breed, how Unless you go diving or are With historic runs at an all long they live, or where they a lucky fisherman, you might time low, some subspecies, travel. Scientists believe they not see them, but more than like the Sacramento River spend a lot of time cruising 150 kinds of bony fishes and winter-run are endangered offshore waters, alone or in 33 types of cartilaginous or threatened. Steelhead pairs, but their solitary habits fishes (sharks, skates and and are also and remote wanderings rays with skeletons made of threatened, mainly due to make them difficult to study. cartilage instead of bone) Rockfish Sanddabs Salmon loss or damage of their Although their population live in the sanctuary. Some freshwater habitats. is low worldwide, adult are residents, like halibut, Rockfish live in kelp forests, Practically invisible when Salmon are anadromous— white sharks are relatively rockfish and leopard sharks. rocky reefs and in deep still, these small bottom- born in freshwater, but living abundant off central Others, like tuna, travel the submarine canyons. More dwellers camouflage perfectly their adult at sea, California, attracted here sea. Each fish is specially than 70 species are fished with the sandy or muddy returning to their birth by large colonies of seals adapted to its habitat: along the Pacific Coast and seafloor. With their flat streams and rivers to spawn. and sea lions upon which Kelp greenlings hide in marketed as “rockcod” or bodies and both eyes on the The sanctuary is home to they feed. Despite a fierce kelp forests, rockfish and “red snapper.” Most rockfish same side of their head, three species—chinook, reputation, white sharks lingcod take refuge in rocky grow slowly and have a very sanddabs are designed to steelhead, and coho. Unlike rarely attack people. reefs, sanddabs and sole long life span. Some species hide on the bottom, watching steelhead and coho, chinook camouflage on sandy may live more than 100 for approaching predators salmon don’t spawn in White bottoms, and big, strong years. Because they grow or prey. tributaries running into the swimmers like albacore, slowly and live so long, sanctuary, but they’re the The largest predatory fish swordfish and white sharks rockfish mature late and most economically important on Earth, white sharks are find plenty of room in the don't breed until they're salmon for sport and surrounded by myths open ocean. seven to 20 years old, commercial fishing. They use and legends, playing an making them vulnerable the sanctuary's rich ocean important role in many to overfishing. habitat extensively during cultures. Little is known

TIDEPOOL TREASURES The rocky shores and tidepools of the sanctuary are a great place to watch ocean life without even getting wet! At low tide you might see tidepool sculpins darting away, sea stars clinging to rocks or hermit Black turban snail Aggregating anemone Ochre sea star Lined shore crab crabs scurrying about. Bright green surfgrasses and Several hundred black turban These beautiful flowerlike You’ll find colorful ochre stars Lined shore crabs abound in colorful forms of red and snails can be seen grouped animals use stinging cells on in an array of hues—yellow, tidepools and will scramble brown seaweeds carpet the together in crevices and their tentacles to paralyze orange, dark brown or deep sideways for shelter if you rocks. Sanctuary tidepools shaded areas, or in shallow small prey. Because purple. These voracious approach, or press them- are one of few places in the pools. Sea otters, rock crabs, aggregating anemones can predators use hundreds of selves into crevices to hide. world where so many kinds ochre sea stars eat these rapidly clone themselves— tiny suction-cup feet under They spend a lot of time out of organisms live in such a common snails, while hermit literally split in half—they’re each arm to pry open of water, primarily eating small area—creating a crabs use their empty shells very abundant. If exposed mussels, barnacles and other algae, which they scrape off treasure chest of life waiting for a protective house. to air, anemones contract prey. After opening the shells, rocks with their claws. Shore to be explored. in size and retract their they slide their stomach crabs are a favorite food of tentacles. Sticky bumps on inside, digesting the animal. sea gulls. If a gull grabs a their bodies collect sand and Ochre stars can cling tightly crab’s leg, the crab can shed bits of shells, which provide and motionless on a rock for the leg and dash away. In camouflage and prevent weeks on end. time, it will grow a new one. them from drying out.

Field Guide to the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary 5 Scenic/vista points Bonita/Marin Point Headlands (4), Point Point Montara (11), Pigeon (17), Año Nuevo (18), Cliff Davenport (23), West Drive (Santa Cruz) (35), Elkhorn Slough (48), Ocean Grove) View Blvd. (Pacific (61) 17 Mile Drive (in Beach) (70), Point Pebble Lobos (74), Hurricane Point Sur Lightstation (79), Point (80), (85), Sand Dollar Beach (91), Blancas (96) Piedras Point Coastal walks/hikes National Area/Marin Recreation Headlands (1), Pescadero (16), Año Marsh Reserve (19), Nuevo State Reserve State Park Wilder Ranch Cliff Drive (Santa (25), West Cruz) (35), Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Research (48), Ocean View Reserve Grove) (61), Blvd. (Pacific Lobos (74), Andrew Point (81), Julia Molera State Park Pfeiffer Burns State Park and Trail Point (87), Ragged Overlook (95) Scenic drives 49-Mile Drive (city and coastal) (9) Hwy. to 1 from San Francisco Cliff Santa Cruz (15), West Drive (Santa Cruz) (35), Ocean View Blvd. (Pacific Grove) (61), 17-Mile Drive Beach, fee charged) (Pebble 1 between (70), Hwy. Carmel and Cambria (a winding drive) (88). long, Waddell Greyhound Ocean Beach (San Lighthouses/Lightstations Bonita (4), Point Point Montara (11), Pigeon (17), Santa Cruz Point (35), Point Cliff Dr.) (West Grove) (55), (Pacific Pinos Sur (80) Point recreation sites Water The four harbors (12, 31, 50, 64), Elkhorn Slough (63) (48), Long walks (21), New Brighton to Rock Seacliff Beach (28), Salinas River (51), Andrew Molera (81), Pfeiffer (85) beaches/crowds Public Santa Cruz Main Beach (34), Capitola (30), Lover’s (58) Point Windsurfing Creek (20), Scott (22) Swimming/paddling city beaches (30, “Main” 34, 58, 69); the stretch between New Brighton and Seacliff (27); Wm. R. Hearst Memorial State Beach (98) Surfing (8), Pacifica Francisco) (10), Half Moon Bay break- water (14), Mavericks (13), Año (EXPERTS ONLY) Creek Nuevo (18), Waddell (20), Scotts Creek (22), Steamer Lane (39), Cowell’s Beach (36), Pleasure (38), Capitola (30), Point Moss Landing (47), Carmel Beach (73), Andrew Molera (83) Fitzgerald Santa Cruz Half Moon Bay Point Año Nuevo Point Tidepools (11,13), Marine Reserve Año Nuevo (18), Natural Grove Bridges (40), Pacific shorelines (58, 59, 61), (71), Carmel Point (55) Pinos Point Dunes Creek (20), (18), Waddell beaches between Pajaro and Moss Landing (45), Salinas River Mouth (51), Ft. Ord to Monterey (56) Wetlands Lagoon (2), Rodeo Marsh (12), Point Pillar Marsh Natural Pescadero (16), Elkhorn Preserve Slough (46); also at the mouths of the San Lorenzo (44), Salinas (33), Pajaro (52), Carmel (73), and Big Sur rivers (82), and Limekiln (90) and Salmon creeks (94) Wharves Municipal Wharf (37), Capitola Wharf (30), Monterey Municipal Wharf (67) Harbors (12), Santa Point) (Pillar Cruz (31), Moss Landing (50), Monterey (64) POINTS OF INTEREST Elkhorn Slough Salinas River State Beach Greyhound Beach Rock Pigeon Point Pigeon Pescadero Marsh Pescadero Natural Preserve Point Montara Point Point Bonita Point Fitzgerald Marine Reserve For information about the sanctuary area above Año Nuevo Point, call (650) 712-8909 For information about the sanctuary area below Año Nuevo Point, call (831) 647-4201

6 Field Guide to the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Moonstone Beach Wm. R. Hearst Memorial State Beach Ragged Point Ragged Gorda Sand Dollar Beach Pfeiffer Beach Monterey Big Sur Miles 4,000 Carmel Pacific Grove Hurricane Point Chad King - NOAA/MBNMS 0 Pebble Beach Pebble Point of Interest National Marine Sanctuary Legend 5 bathymetry (feet) elevation (feet) bathymetry # -12,000 01020 ! Parks and Beaches Parks Fitzgerald Marine Reserve (11, 13), Half Moon Bay State Beach (14), and State Park Pescadero Point Marsh (16), Pigeon Light Station (17), Año (19), Nuevo State Reserve State Park Wilder Ranch (25), Natural Bridges State Beach (40), Lighthouse (43), Seacliff State Point Beach (29), Moss Landing Beach (47), (53), (69), Monterey State (68), Lovers Historic Park Pinos (58), Point Point Lighthouse (55), (59), Carmel Lobos Beach (73), Point (74), State Reserve (76), Andrew Molera State Park (83), Julia Pfeiffer Burns (87), Sand Dollar State Park Area (92), Ragged Picnic Piedras (95), Point Point Blancas (96), William Hearst Memorial Randolph State Beach (98), San (97). Simeon State Park Gulf Depending on Offshore birds and marine mammals season (see wildlife viewing calendar on page 8) you may see blue whales, humpback whales, killer whales (orcas), common dolphins, pacific white- sided dolphins, Dall’s por- poises, bottlenose dolphins, and any number of sea birds including albatross and shearwaters. Interpretive Centers National of the Farallones Marine Sanctuary Visitor Center (6), Año Nuevo State (19), Wilder Ranch Reserve (25), Seymour State Park Marine Discovery Center at UCSC’s Long Marine Laboratory (26), Natural Bridges State Beach (40), and Lighthouse Point Surfing Museum (43), Santa Cruz Wharf (37), Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History (32), Elkhorn Slough National Reserve Estuarine Research (46), Monterey State and Maritime Historic Park Museum (68), (62), Grove Museum of Pacific Natural History (60), Point Lighthouse (55), Pinos Lobos State Reserve Point Blancas Piedras (74), Point (96), William Randolph Hearst Memorial State Beach (98), San Simeon (97). State Park Elkhorn Watch gray whales Watch Marin Headlands (3), Monterey Harbor Birds Marsh (12), Point Pillar Marsh Preserve Pescadero (16), Año Nuevo (18), Moss Landing/Elkhorn Slough (49), Carmel River (72), Lobos (74), Point (77). Soberanes Point California sea lions 39 in San Francisco Pier (5), “seal rocks” in San (near the Cliff Francisco House) (7) and Santa Cruz (41), (Lighthouse Point) Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf (37), breakwater (66). Harbor seals Slough (48), Ocean View Grove (61), Blvd. in Pacific offshore rocks along Big Sur coast (84). Northern elephant seals Año Nuevo State Reserve Blancas (96). (19), Piedras Southern sea otters Cliff Drive (35), West (63), Cannery Row Lobos (74), 17-Mile Point forests from Drive (70), kelp Santa Cruz to Cambria (75). Whales migrate (Dec.-Jan. and early March) from cliffs and coastal promontories at: (along the San Point Pigeon Mateo coast) (17), Davenport (23), Monterey Lobos) (Point Peninsula Sur (80). (74), and Point POINTS OF INTEREST, cont.

Field Guide to the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary 7 Sea otters are fun to watch. They turn somersaults, swim on their backs, and use a rock to break open shellfish. Keeping our sanctuary clean helps sea otters and other ocean animals stay healthy. Here are some activities to help you learn more about sea otters and KidsPages how to protect their ocean home.

Let’s Clean UpTheBeach

Trash may look harmless, but it

can injure or kill marine animals.

If they mistake garbage for food,

animals may eat it and die. Or

they can get tangled in trash and

drown. Circle the objects that can

harm ocean animals.

Activities and images on this page used with permission of Friends of the Sea Otter, www.seaotters.org/. © 2004, Positive Publishing USA, www.pospub.com You Can Be A Sea Otter Too!

To make this otter mask, you need

crayons, scissors and string.

11. Make a copy of the otter’s face

on this page if you want to save

this page.

22. Color with crayons before you cut

it out. Sea otters are usually light

brown with a pink mouth and

a black nose.

33. Cut out the face and eyes.

44. Punch one hole below each ear.

55. Measure a piece of string to fit

around your head. Tie one end of

the string through a hole under

each ear.

Now YOU look like a sea otter!

8 Field Guide to the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Word Search

Why are Sea Otters a Threatened Species and How Can You Help Them?

FOSTENLLI GRVEHOR See if you can find and circle the words listed. They are hidden vertically, horizontally, and diagonally—some are UR I DHA OL NC GB P G I S even spelled backwards. Z T EYKE MI CA RP OO L N JUSHTPFTGVKJ L A SY HARMFUL HELPFUL ES DHAB I TAT MEL V PR WB O V S B O E R J H U U Z I A OIL SPILL CARPOOL TCAI OEI RIYUF T J LU LITTER CONSERVATION MR Z C A J B L OK HU I R L T PLASTIC BAGS RECYCLE QE KWTD OPI J RO O D J C STYROFOAM SANCTUARY AC ONSE RVAT I ONF VN ADVOCACY DY DHL I R AGD AV O N E A GILL NETS HABITAT SC OEYGUI XOHT GQHS POLLUTION REHABILITATION PL ASTI CBAGSF I I KO OE MLJ T P STY RO F O A M NP WRF E R BMKSN V O NI This activity used with permission of Friends of the Sea Otter, www.seaotters.org/. © 2004, Positive Publishing USA, www.pospub.com KA DVOC A CYX FI DN WH

Protecting Marine Life– You Can Make a DID YOU KNOW?

Difference! The leading cause of ach of us can play a role in protecting our oil pollution in the ocean oceans and marine life. Here are some ways is NOT from tanker accidents - Eyou can make a difference: it’s from citizens. Each year 350 million • Pick up trash. Participate in clean ups or organize one yourself. And never release helium balloons, gallons of oil from roads, parking lots, which can end up in the ocean and harm marine life. driveways and storms drains wash • Don’t dump waste into storm drains. Everything poured or washed into storm drains flows directly into waterways and the ocean. into creeks, rivers, and ultimately, the ocean. This is 30 times more than from • Choose and eat that’s caught or farmed in the largest tanker spill! ways that support healthy oceans. • Join a marine conservation group and support their THREATENED & THRIVING efforts to protect the oceans. IN THE MONTEREY BAY • Volunteer! Get directly involved with a marine conservation or environmental organization. NATIONAL MARINE • Stay informed about ocean issues. SANCTUARY • Tell your friends, family members and legislators about the need for improved conservation efforts. The Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary • Consume fewer resources. Reduce, recycle is one of the best places in the world to see the and reuse! southern sea otter, which can be found around kelp forests and along rocky shorelines. Once hunted to near extinction for its luxurious fur, the sea otter population is still threatened by environmental toxins and disease. Sea otters are often seen resting in giant kelp. Kelp forests provide food and habitat for a variety of invertebrates and fish. Some of the largest kelp forests in the world thrive in the Sanctuary’s waters.

Field Guide to the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary 9 AWindowtothePast Shipwrecks The Ocean Shapes Our Cultural History he rich waters of the Central Coast have been a 1770s, Spanish missionaries, the Franciscans, had established source of food, transport, trade, and livelihood for their mission system throughout the state, opening up the T people for over 10,000 years.The native , area to waves of immigrants and visitors.The Spanish relied earliest human inhabitants, lived off the land and water, and heavily on non-native livestock such as cattle and pigs, and had a plentiful supply of fish, birds, imported non-native plants such as shellfish, and mammals. Over the past mustard and wheat, drastically altering 250 years, the Central Coast has drawn the local environment.They bought people from around the world seeking pelts of southern sea otters from economic opportunities like fur trading, Russians and Indians, exporting RHODERICK DHU. April 22, 1909, Moss Beach. fishing, and whaling, as well as land- them throughout the world, so based enterprises such as farming, the once abundant sea otters were any shipwrecks lurk in the deep, scarce by the late 1800s. logging, quarrying, and ranching.As a dark waters of the sanctuary. result, we now enjoy a vibrant blend Clipper ships, schooners, and of cultures including Ohlone, Spanish, Fishing at the “ranch.” Point Sur was known as the Native Indian tribes also suffered M “ranch” to the local rockfish fishermen.This 32-foot Italian, Japanese, Chinese, Russian, from the arrival of Europeans steamers have all fallen prey to the Central jig boat was owned by the Giamanco family. Central European, and Vietnamese, through exploitation of their labor, Coast’s rocky shoreline and foggy or stormy among others, who enjoy the mild prohibition of cultural and social weather. More than 140 large shipwrecks winters and dry summers of our habits, and introduction of have been documented in the sanctuary Mediterranean climate. European diseases, against which they had no resistance. Native between 1845 and 1935. In one of the Before Europeans arrived on the scene, Ohlone still live in the area, and worst maritime disasters in California, a hunted seals and other marine though few in number, enrich our passenger steamer, the San Juan, was culture today by carrying on mammals, caught fish and invertebrates, rammed by an oil tanker off Pigeon Point and depended upon native plants such their traditions. in 1929. Altogether 75 men, women, and as acorns for food and for basket making. Historic piles of shells New England whalers, Portuguese children were lost, most trapped while (middens) left by early inhabitants shore-whalers, and fishermen from asleep below deck. show they ate a substantial amount of China, Italy,and Japan all came to shellfish, including abalone, mussels, US LIBERATOR braling sardines, circa 1945. harvest the healthy supplies of The dirigible USS Macon, a 6,500,000 clams, snails, and limpets. Because their abalone, squid, whale, seal, fish, shark population was relatively small and and kelp along the Central Coast.At cubic foot rigid was built in 1933 they took only what they needed, various times over the past 200 to conduct strategic searches over vast their effect on the environment was years, over-harvesting caused the distances expected in a Pacific war. In near-extinction of many of these probably minimal. 1935, 23 months and 54 flights later, the species. Now the hunting of some USS encountered a storm off Point Monterey Bay was first discovered and species, like seals and whales is Macon mapped by Europeans when Sebastian prohibited, while the harvest of Sur while returning to Moffet Field. A Cabrillo sighted “Bahia de los Pinos” others, such as salmon or squid, violent gust tore off her upper fin, causing is regulated. in 1542, followed by Sebastian damage that brought her down into the Vizcaino, who dropped anchor here in AA FERRANTE with 70 tons of sardines. sea. The crew of 83, clad in life jackets and 1602 during his search for a protected September 29, 1945. Today,like the Ohlone, we harbor for Spain’s lucrative Manila galleons trade.Vizcaino’s recognize the need to use our natural resources responsibly prepared with life rafts, jumped into expedition named the harbor after the viceroy of , so they are sustainable over time.We are learning more lifeboats, and all but two survived. The about how to ensure the survival of animals and plants, and Don Gaspár de Zúñiga y Acevedo, Count of Monte Rey, USS Macon sank in deep water, ending the who had dispatched the expedition. protect their natural habitats.The marine sanctuary program Navy's controversial program of rigid is committed to balancing the economic needs of a growing airship operations. The area remained largely unchanged until Gaspar de population with preservation of a healthy marine Portola led an expedition here in 1770, after which the environment both today and for the future. Spanish began their immigration into the area. By the late

waste, and other pollutants before entering storm drains Citizen Watershed Monitoring How’s the Water? leading into the ocean. In rural agricultural areas, sediments More than 400 volunteers keep an eye on water containing pesticides and herbicides are washed into rivers quality by monitoring sanctuary watersheds and beaches, elatively pristine waters in the sanctuary support and streams draining into the sanctuary. collecting water quality samples, or determining flow a wealth of marine life. But water quality of the and sediment Rsanctuary is only as good as the watersheds that Overall, sanctuary water quality remains fairly good, especially load in streams. drain into it.A watershed is a land area in which runoff in offshore waters. Coastal waters are more susceptible to The sanctuary flows downhill into specific tributaries. Mountain ridges elevated levels of pollutants such as oil, detergents, nitrates sponsors a variety separate watersheds, directing the flow into streams and or pesticides. Some beaches may temporarily close or be of citizen rivers and eventually to the ocean.Watersheds covering posted as showing elevated levels of bacterial contamination 7000 square miles of land drain into sanctuary waters. (from human or animal waste).A “beach closure” results monitoring Most watersheds are named after the large rivers to which from a sewage spill.A “beach warning” occurs when bacteria activities. they drain (e.g., San Lorenzo, Salinas or Carmel River). levels exceed specified standards indicating the water may be In cities, urban runoff is a leading cause of water contaminated with human or animal waste.A rain advisory pollution. Urban areas contain up to 90 percent hard is issued when significant rainfall has the potential to surfaces such as rooftops and pavement. Rather than increase bacterial levels in the ocean. Do not swim if the soaking into the ground, water runs off hard surfaces and beaches are posted with any of these warning signs. joins with oil, , pesticides, detergents, bacteria, pet

10 Field Guide to the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary MONTEREY NATIONAL MARINE SANCTUARY FIELD GUIDE:

Editors: Julia Davenport, Liz Love Copy Editor: Dawn Hayes Design and Layout: Jenny Chambliss

We welcome comments! Contact the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Main Office, 299 Foam Street, Monterey, CA 93940 (831) 647-4201

Additional office locations: Half Moon Bay Office—625 Miramontes St, Suite 106 Here is a sampling of Monterey Bay area Half Moon Bay, CA 94019 (650)712-8909 A Window to research groups: Santa Cruz Office—55-D Municipal Wharf Santa Cruz, CA 95060 (831)420-1630 the Future Sanctuary Integrated Monitoring Network researchers San Simeon Office—750 Road San Simeon, CA 93452 (805) 927-2145 combine talents to understand sanctuary health through Scientists Unravel Web sites for reference and further information: long-term monitoring of and by assessing Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary the impact of both natural processes and human activities. (http://www.montereybay.noaa.gov) Secrets of the Sea National Marine Sanctuary Program Monitoring data and interactive maps are available at (www.sanctuaries.nos.noaa.gov) ust like many visitors and residents, marine www.mbnms-simon.org/. SIMoN (www.mbnms-simon.org/) Citizen Watershed Monitoring researchers are drawn to the Monterey Bay area (http://montereybay.noaa.gov/monitoringnetwork/welcome.html) by one of the most productive combinations of Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute J Photo Credits marine life found anywhere in the world. For over 200 conducts deep-sea research spanning fields such as marine Cover: (top) Brad Damitz/MBNMS, Steve Lonhart/MBNMS, (bottom, left to right) (aggregating anemone) years, the Monterey Bay area has provided inspiration not biology, , chemistry and geology.They operate SteveLonhart/MBNMS, Peter Chetirkin, (ochre sea star) MBNMS/NOAA, Michelle Peter Chetirkin, (lined shore crab) only for scientists, but for authors, poets, and artists as well. three research vessels, as well as remotely operated vehicles Templeton/MBNMS, Greg Smith, MBNMS/NOAA and autonomous underwater vehicles (underwater robots), MBNMS/NOAA Page 9: (bottom, left) Michelle In the novel Cannery Row, author based Page 2: (left) Greg Smith, Templeton/MBNMS, (bottom, right) scientific moorings, sea-bottom instruments, and other (right) Greg Smith Brad Damitz/MBNMS his character ‘Doc’ on Ed Ricketts, a beloved and eccentric Page 3: (sandy beaches) Page 10; (left, top to bottom) marine scientist who owned Pacific Biological Laboratories. tools for gathering data throughout the water column. Sophie De Buekelaer, (rocky J.B. Phillips Collection, Maritime shore) MBNMS/NOAA, (wetlands) Museum of Monterey, (right, top) In 1939, Ricketts published an elegantly written textbook, Brad Damitz/MBNMS, (kelp) Allen Knight Collection, Maritime Long Marine Laboratory at University of California, MBNMS/NOAA, (open sea) Museum of Monterey, (right, Between Pacific Tides,which described for the first time MBNMS/NOAA, (deep sea) bottom) MBNMS/NOAA at Santa Cruz is known throughout the world for its NOAA/MBARI, (screened back Page 11: (top, left) the teeming life in tidepools of the Central Coast. Since image) MBNMS/NOAA Robert Shwemmer/NOAA, innovative research on marine mammals, but lab scientists Page 4: (elephant seal) (top, right) MBNMS/NOAA then, many more species have been discovered and books MBNMS/NOAA, (harbor seal) (bottom right) MBNMS/NOAA conduct studies on environmental toxicology, MBNMS/NOAA, (sea lion) Page 12: (all photos) written about the fascinating marine life of the area, but biology and marine ecology as well. MBNMS/NOAA, (sea otter), Brad Damitz/NOAA MBNMS/NOAA, (gray whale) his book remains a popular classic today. (MBNMS/NOAA), (common Illustrations Moss Landing Marine Laboratories researchers dolphin) MBNMS/NOAA Page 2: (bat ray) Keelin Sabel (humpback whale) David for MBNMS affiliated with the California State University system Mattila/NOAA, (killer whale) Page 4: (bat star) Keelin Sabel The Pacific Coast’s first marine research facility, Stanford Richard Ternullo/Monterey Bay for MBNMS, (gray whale) University’s Hopkins Marine Station, was established more investigate the unique biological, chemical and physical Whale Watch, (leatherback turtle) Ann Caudle, courtesy Monterey properties of the Monterey Bay and neighboring MBNMS/NOAA Bay Aquarium (MBA), than 100 years ago. Over the past 25 years it has been Page 5: (snowy plover) (leatherback turtle) courtesy MBA Elkhorn Slough. Greg Smith, (great blue heron) Page 5: (blue rockfish) joined by three more universities, numerous private and Greg Smith, (pelagic cormorant) Mat Squillante, courtesy MBA MBNMS/NOAA, (brown pelican) Page 6-7: (map) public research institutions, and a variety of federal and Brad Damitz/NOAA, (sooty Chad King/MBNMS Other research groups in the Monterey Bay region shearwater) Josh Adams/Moss Page 8: Illustrations courtesy state agencies all focused on marine issues. Now with over Landing Marine Lab, (rockfish) Friends of the Sea Otter/Positive include the National Marine Service, Naval MBNMS/NOAA (sanddab) Publishing 40 marine research organizations located in and around Peter Macht, (salmon) NOAA Page 9 (sea otter & kelp) Postgraduate School, California Department of Fish and Fisheries Service, (white shark) Kirsten Carlson for MBNMS Monterey Bay, this area has perhaps the highest , National Undersea Research Program, Elkhorn Scot Anderson, (turban snail) concentration of marine scientists anywhere in the world. Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve, California Many thanks to the contributors who provided information Researchers in the sanctuary contribute to local and State University Monterey Bay and U.S. Geological from the interpretive centers, parks, non-profit organizations, global efforts to better understand and preserve the Survey, among others. chambers of commerce, and other organizations appearing in this guide. marine environment. Printed on recycled paper.

You Can Prevent Water Pollution!

rotecting the sanctuary includes reducing • Landscape as much of your yard as possible. • Don’t wash down driveways, sidewalks or land-based pollution that flows into the sea. Planted areas absorb rainwater, while bare patios—sweep them instead. PHere are some ways you can prevent and concrete promote runoff. pollution from entering storm drains and flowing • Pick up animal waste regularly and dispose into creeks, wetlands, rivers and the ocean: • Take unwanted toxic chemicals like paint, of it in the trash. solvents and pesticides to your local hazardous • Never dump chemicals, oil, debris or other waste site. Use these products sparingly, and waste into storm drains! use non-toxic products whenever possible.

• Recycle used motor oil and antifreeze, and • Use herbicides, pesticides and fertilizers inspect your car regularly to prevent leakage. sparingly and don’t apply them if rain is forecast. Consider using organic gardening • Wash your car on unpaved surfaces, or better techniques instead, or native species yet, take it to a car wash. that require less water.

Field Guide to the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary 11 Get Out and Do It! THINGS TO DO IN AND AROUND THE SANCTUARY

ired of sitting in the car? older needs a license to fish from ON LAND —A Garrapata State Park—(Eight Want to get out for some a boat or shore (but not public Tidepooling is a great way to 6,000-acre park with 33 miles of miles south of Carmel.) West of Tfresh air and exercise? In piers and wharves). You may get up close with some of the trails and a historic ranch. The Hwy 1, a hike to Soberanes Point addition to spectacular scenery, purchase a license from most sanctuary’s smaller creatures Ohlone Bluff Trail is 2.5 miles affords views of Point Sur. To the for those wanting more adven- sporting goods stores. without getting wet. If you sit (round-trip) and skirts the cliffs. east, the steep Rocky Ridge trail ture, there’s plenty to do in the quietly and look closely you’ll see Inland from Wilder is Gray Whale, offers views of Monterey Bay. Monterey Bay National Marine IN THE WATER much more. See map for tidepool a hiking and biking spot with (831) 624-4909 Sanctuary. For information and If being on the water isn’t enough, locations. beautiful trails and vistas. equipment rentals, check the you’ll want to join the area’s many (831) 423-9703 Andrew Molera State Park— phone book for shops specializ- divers, swimmers, and surfers Hundreds of walks and hikes will Fifteen miles of hiking trails. To ing in your activity, or ask your and get in it. Just remember, the immerse you in breathtaking West Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz— the east, a steep trail leads up hotel concierge. sanctuary’s waters are chilly, scenery. More information on trails Walk, bicycle, or skate on 2.5 to a redwood grove. To the west, from 46º to 60º Fahrenheit (8º to (including level of difficulty) is miles of paved pathway along follow the to Molera ON THE WATER 15.5º Celsius). available at the following sites. the cliff from the Municipal Wharf beach. (831) 667-2315 (Big Boating is a popular way to Day use fees apply to some parks. to Natural Bridges State Park, Sur Station) experience the Central Coast’s Because these waters are more home of the annual monarch wonders, and anybody can join a protected and kelp forests abound, Marin Headlands—The Golden butterfly migration. Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park— chartered vessel to go whale the most popular scuba diving Gate National Recreation Area From the east edge of the parking watching, fishing, sailing or and snorkeling spots are along (north of the Golden Gate Bridge) Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine lot, Ewoldsen Trail is a 4.5-mile cruising the beautiful coastline. Cannery Row in Monterey, has miles of hiking trails to Muir Research Reserve—Located in the loop in and out of redwoods, Visit one of the sanctuary’s four Lovers Point in Pacific Grove , Muir Beach, Tennessee middle of Monterey Bay, five miles climbing 1,600 feet to superb harbors to find out about boat and State Reserve Valley, Rodeo Beach, Point of hiking trails around the slough views of the south coast. rentals and charter trips. south of Carmel. Many dive shops Bonita Lighthouse, and a visitor lead to overlooks for viewing (831) 667-2315 () provide lessons, guided trips and center at Fort Barry Chapel. wildlife, especially birds. Kayaking is another great way to gear rental. (415) 331-1540 (831) 728-2822 Ragged Point Trail and enjoy the outdoors and see Overlook—The grassy area and wildlife. Good kayaking spots Despite the chilly waters, South of the Golden Gate Recreational overlook are located on a high ter- include Elkhorn Slough and the swimming or playing in the surf Bridge—”Coastal Trail,” about 12 Trail—A paved pedestrian/bicycle race above the ocean. From there, coastal waters of San Simeon, is always an adventure. See the miles long, leads south past the path running from Seaside to a steep trail leads past a Monterey, Pacific Grove, and map for a list of good swimming Cliff House and to Fort Funston. Pacific Grove. The coastal stretch to a small beach. Santa Cruz. Check the phone book beaches. Strong currents make it Information is available at Fort from Beach to Lovers for rentals and classes. imperative to follow swimming Point, Presidio Visitor Center, Cliff Point travels past Cannery Row Moonstone Beach Drive— advice posted on beach signs. House, or Fort Funston. and the Monterey Bay Aquarium. A boardwalk provides public To protect sensitive wildlife, (415) 556-8371 access to Moonstone Beach, motorized personal watercraft The Central Coast is a world- Ocean View Boulevard, Pacific Cambria where harbor seals and (jet skis) are restricted in the renowned surfing area featuring Pescadero Marsh Preserve— Grove—With spectacular views, seabirds bask on offshore rocks. sanctuary and may only operate in the famous Steamer Lane off Short, easy trails meander through an unpaved walking path leads Whales, dolphins, sea lions, and four areas adjacent to the harbors, Lighthouse Point in Santa Cruz. serene wetlands, offering good you along the rocky coastline sea otters may also be seen. where launch ramp signs are Cowell Beach, next to the Santa birding opportunities. The Sequoia from Lovers Point toward Asilomar Leffingwell Landing has picnic posted explaining the regulations. Cruz Wharf, is a good beginners Audubon Trail is 2 miles round- State Beach. areas and launch ramp for boats beach and lessons are available. trip. Docent-led tours are available or kayaks to visit kelp beds and Recreational fishing is a popular The sanctuary also has great on weekends. (415) 879-2170 Point Lobos—Enjoy Monterey rocky shorelines. activity; both hook-and-line (from windsurfing and kiteboarding cypress trees along seven miles of boats, wharves, or the shore) and sites: both Waddell and Scott Año Nuevo State Reserve—The trails. The 1,200-acre reserve spearfishing are permitted. Group Creek beaches, north of Santa Año Nuevo Point Trail (permit includes the turquoise waters of charters operate from the four Cruz, provide excellent wind and required) leads to the beaches China Cove, kelp forests, rocky harbors, so try your luck at reeling wave conditions. where elephant seals come to shores, and tidepools. in salmon, halibut, mackerel, or mate, give birth, and molt. Other (831) 624-4909 lingcod. Note: Anyone age 16 or trails don’t require permits. (415) 879-2025 or 879-0227

12 Field Guide to the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary