Articles: Monterey Bay Shores, Water and Wilderness

While the words "national park" typically conjure up images of majestic mountains, rugged canyons and towering trees, the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary is an underwater wilderness unlike anywhere else on the planet.

Beneath its deceptively passive surface, an unparalleled diversity and abundance of sea life flourishes. Otters pluck abalone dinner from the rocks while sharks chase after the otters. Sea lions search for fish while the fish feast on plankton. Massive gray whales cruise through the sun-dappled waters on their way to spawning grounds in Mexico. And expansive kelp forests serve as a safe haven for sea creatures hiding among its foliage. The sanctuary is home to several dozen threatened and endangered marine species.

One of the sanctuary's most unique features is an underwater canyon that meanders out over 60 miles from the coast and plunges to depths more than 10,000 feet-almost twice as deep as the Grand Canyon. The constant upwelling of rich nutrients from the canyon keeps the aquatic grocery store well stocked, sustaining the world's most diverse collection of marine plants and animals.

The Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary is the second-largest in the United States, and Santa Cruz County proudly serves as its gateway. From the water or the shore, there are countless ways to enjoy the treasures of the bay.

Venturing out on the bay by boat affords some of the best views. Dolphins swim alongside in the bow's wake, while jellyfish glide and pulse just below the water's surface. In the winter months, you'll likely encounter gray whales as they pass through the sanctuary on their annual migration from Alaska to Mexico. In the summer, humpback whales frequent the bay as a feeding ground. In addition to the whale watching tours, you can fish for salmon aboard a fishing boat, take a bareboat sailing charter, or learn about astronomy or sample fine wines aboard a luxury yacht. Most charters journey out from the Santa Cruz Harbor, while boat rentals are available at the harbor and the wharfs.

To get a closer look, paddle out into the bay in a kayak or glide across the placid waters of the Elkhorn Slough. Sea otters and seals will pop up to greet you as you paddle along. At the slough in particular, you'll encounter a multitude of birds, seals, sea otters, fish and other wildlife. Kayak rentals and lessons are available at the harbors in Santa Cruz and Moss Landing.

The more daring adventurer can explore the sanctuary's rich marine environment underwater. You can discover the thrill of diving among the lush kelp forests and rocky reefs with the help of a local divemaster or instructor. Santa Cruz has three local dive shops that can outfit visitors and provide lessons. Other ways to enjoy the water is to try your hand at boogie boarding, skim boarding, surfing, windsurfing or kiteboarding.

Back on shore, explore the tide pools along the rocky sections of the beach. During low tide, the water-filled bowls and crevices of natural rock shelves are left exposed, leaving behind a fascinating microcosm of sea stars, tiny fish and crabs, sea anemones and barnacles. Gently inch your way around the pools to observe these tidal waiting rooms.

To satiate the urge to pet more starfish and sea anemones, head over to the Seymour Marine Discovery Center at Long Marine Lab. This noted research facility overlooking the bay features seawater tables, aquariums, and marine exhibits illustrating the work of resident scientists. Docent-led tours offer the public a behind-the-scenes peek at the lab's facilities and Younger Lagoon Natural Reserve. The enormous skeletal remains of an 87-foot blue whale are also on display outside the center.

For more marine life viewing, stroll to the end of the Santa Cruz Wharf and watch the comical, lumbering sea lions that suddenly acquire a ballerina's grace the moment they hit the water. From December to March, head up to Año Nuevo State Reserve for the naturalist-led tours of the largest elephant seal breeding grounds in North America. You can also just kick back on the sand at any one of Santa Cruz County's public beaches and watch the marine life pass off shore.

The Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary is a wondrous place to explore and enjoy Santa Cruz's underwater world.

Protect the Treasures of the Sanctuary
The deep underwater canyons and majestic kelp forests of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary sustain an abundance and diversity of marine life found few other places on the planet. And while the sanctuary invites exploration and enjoyment, we must do our part to protect this national treasure for future generations. Here are a few ways to help:

• Learn more about sea animals and their environment by visiting educational research and cultural centers.
• Please do not throw trash into the ocean, down storm drains or on the beach.
• If you pick up a tidepool creature, return it to its home quickly.
• For safety, stay 50 yards away from marine animals.
• If you see an injured animal, contact the nearest park ranger for help. Don't touch the animal.
• Report anyone who is harming sea animals or destroying the marine environment.

To learn more about the sanctuary, visit the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary branch office on the Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf or call 831.420.1630. Fun, educational opportunities also abound at the Seymour Marine Discovery Center, Save Our Shores Marine Sanctuary Center, Santa Cruz City Museum of Natural History, Santa Cruz Harbor and interpretative centers at several state beaches.