Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary protects 1,470 square miles of ocean waters around the Northern Channel Islands: Anacapa, Santa Cruz, Santa Rosa, San Miguel, and Santa Barbara islands. A special place for endangered species, sensitive habitats, historic shipwrecks, and cultural resources, the sanctuary provides protection through research, education, conservation, and stewardship.
Join the 2020 Nautilus Exploration Program to discover little-known regions of the deep sea along the North American West Coast, from British Columbia to Southern California. From October 12-15, 2020, this will include Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary and adjacent Santa Lucia Bank. Education resources Webinar: Sept 29, 2020.
The sanctuary’s management plan is being revised and public input is requested from October 1 through November 15, 2019. Learn more about the management plan revision!
A quiet refuge located just offshore from Southern California’s bustling coastline, Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary is an ideal destination for boaters, fishers, and nature and water enthusiasts.
Through community-based engagement and volunteer opportunities, there are plenty of ways to get involved with your national marine sanctuary.
From pristine kelp forests to deep sea coral gardens, learn more about the “Galapagos of the North” and the education programs supported by Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary.
Sanctuary staff conduct and coordinate cutting-edge marine science to support management of Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary.
Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary