The sanctuary was designated on September 18, 1992. It covers about 6,094 square miles of ocean and 276 miles of shoreline, from Rocky Point in Marin County to Cambria, extending on average 30 miles offshore. NOAA’s Office of National Marine Sanctuaries manages it.
The deepest point is 12,743 feet, in the Monterey Submarine Canyon, deeper than the Grand Canyon. The sanctuary is home to at least 36 species of marine mammals, 94 species of seabirds and 525 species of fish. Offshore oil drilling and seabed mining are banned, while kayaking, diving, surfing and commercial fishing are allowed.
It protects the seas off Carmel and Big Sur as well as Monterey Bay.