Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary is responsible for the protection and preservation of submerged remains of the past that occupy the bottomlands of the sanctuary. Cultural and historic submerged sites include archaeological remains of shipwrecks and prehistoric land sites. Sanctuary stewardship responsibilities include a mandate to inventory sites, encourage research, provide public education and oversee responsible visitor use.

The Santa Barbara Maritime Museum and Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary have joined together to provide the public with an exceptional program exibiting submerged cultural and historic resources located in the sanctuary and park. The museum opened to the public during the summer of 2000

For more information please contact the Maritime Heritage Coordinator