Through education, conservation, science, and stewardship, Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary provides protection to its extraordinary natural and cultural resources so that nature can thrive, historic shipwrecks and artifacts remain respectfully in place, cultural connections remain strong, and careful public use and enjoyment can be sustained. Designated in 1980 by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the sanctuary spans 1,470 square miles surrounding five of the Channel Islands: San Miguel, Santa Rosa, Santa Cruz, Anacapa and Santa Barbara. Explore our web site and enjoy!

New Channel Islands Condition Report Available

In July 2019, a new Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary Condition Report was released. This comprehensive report encompasses and adds to a “Volume 1” release that preceded it in 2018. The report provides an assessment through 2016 of the status and trends of water quality, habitat, living resources, and maritime archaeological resources, as well as the human activities affecting them. The report also assesses ecosystem services provided by the sanctuary. Learn more about the Condition Report here.

Interactive Channel Islands Map

The Channel Islands Marine Protected Areas (MPA) interactive web-based map highlights the 11 marine reserves and 2 marine conservation that are part of the Channel Islands MPA network. Viewers can zoom in and out of the interactive map which shows the bathymetry and topography of the Channel Islands and includes reserve boundaries, coordinates and island information. Photos and video clips from each of the MPAs highlight key species and critical habitats and give viewers a visual connection to these special places.

Online Weather Kiosk Real time Weather Updates

The weather kiosk features real-time online weather updates and practical information about effects of weather on ocean conditions in the Santa Barbara channel and Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary. By presenting real-time weather updates, the weather kiosk also serves as safety tool local sailors and fishermen. They can use the kiosk for up-to-the-minute reports on weather and ocean conditions. In addition, the weather section provides reports on various weather related topics. Forecasts, wind models, satellite and radar images, tide and current conditions and even data streamed from weather buoys are all available through links to various web services.