West Coast Region

Click on the Maps for a larger view. Olympic Coast Information Sheet (pdf)

Cordell Bank Information Sheet (pdf)

Gulf of the Farallones Information Sheet (pdf)

Monterey Bay North

Monterey Bay South Monterey Bay Information Sheet (pdf)

Channel Islands Information Sheet (pdf)

You’re standing on the shores of Olympic Coast in the state of Washington. Rugged sea stacks are in front of you. Giant coastal evergreens beckon your camera, and far behind, majestic mountain slopes shrouded in mist, urge you to take a peak. 

What you don’t see are the submerged volcanoes, deeply carved canyons, the many millions of fish that feed and breed in this vast, fertile expanse, and the 150 shipwrecks that make up part of our cultural heritage.

Olympic Coast is at the northern end of a network of national marine sanctuaries stretching along the Pacific coast from Washington down to Central California.

The West Coast Regional office of the national marine sanctuaries manages 12,067 square miles of marine protected areas around the Channel Islands, Cordell Bank, Gulf of the Farallones, Monterey Bay and Olympic Coast. Among its far-reaching efforts and programs, the office overseas marine and biological research, educational partnerships with four Indian tribes who live in coastal areas of the Olympic Coast, and reintroduction of native species to their historic breeding grounds. The region also sponsors numerous interpretive displays at several visitor areas and education centers along the coast. Recreational and fishing opportunities abound throughout the waters of the protected areas. (Visit our Recreation link for more information)

The links on this page will take you on a tour of the West Coast Region sanctuaries where you will discover more exciting news about the work we do to keep our marine sanctuaries safe and thriving.

In partnership with the State of California, the National Marine Sanctuary Program brought together more than 100 ocean related business, agencies and organizations and formed the Ocean Communicators Alliance to promote shared ocean messages. "Thank You Ocean", a public awareness campaign, was created with the theme, "The ocean takes care of us...let's return the favor."

The campaign reaches millions in California with messages that highlight the connection between humans and the ocean, and suggestions on how people can make a difference.

Resources

West Coast Accomplishments Report

West Coast Field Guide

Ocean Etiquette

Maritime Heritage

Contact Information:
West Coast Regional Office
99 Pacific Street, Bldg. 200, Suite K
Monterey, CA 93940
(831) 647-1920
(831) 647-1732 Fax