|
The Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary is a sanctuary off the Pacific coast of Southern California. The National Marine Sanctuary program is administered by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Established in 1980, the sanctuary in the Santa Barbara Channel is an area of national significance because of its exceptional natural beauty and resources. It has an area of and encompasses the waters that surround Anacapa, Santa Cruz, Santa Rosa, San Miguel and Santa Barbara Islands (five of the eight Channel Islands of California), extending from mean high tide to offshore around each of the five islands. The sanctuary is home to an extremely rich and diverse array of marine species, making it one of the best places in the world for viewing whales and other wildlife. It also provides protection to more than 150 historic shipwrecks and is a place of important cultural significance for the Chumash people. Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary provides protection for its natural and cultural resources through education, conservation, science, and stewardship. ==Recreational activities== There are many ways to enjoy the sanctuary, including world class scuba diving, snorkeling, kayaking, boating and sailing, viewing whales and other wildlife, and fishing. The sanctuary is home to an extremely rich and diverse array of marine mammals, making it one of the best places in the world for viewing whales and other wildlife. Its beautiful waters and pristine anchorages also make the sanctuary a popular year-round destination for recreation boaters and kayakers. Chartered sailing adventures are available from Santa Barbara Harbor, and guided trips as well as kayak rentals are available. The sanctuary is a popular destination for recreational fishing, with many chartered trips available out of local harbors. In an effort to balance recreation and conservation, the California Fish and Game Commission established a network of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) within the nearshore waters of the sanctuary in 2002. NOAA expanded the MPA network into the sanctuary's deeper waters in 2006 and 2007. The entire MPA network consists of 11 marine reserves where all take and harvest is prohibited, and two marine conservation areas that allow limited take of lobster and pelagic fish. This MPA network encompasses 241 square nautical miles (or 318 square miles). More than 150 historic ships and aircraft have been reported lost within the waters of the sanctuary, although just 25 have been discovered to date. SCUBA divers can enjoy viewing some of the protected wrecks within the sanctuary, but should be mindful that removal of any artifacts is prohibited by federal regulations. The Santa Barbara Maritime Museum is a local resource for learning about shipwrecks and other maritime history in the Santa Barbara Channel. Visitors to the sanctuary that decide to go ashore can go camping, hiking, and other activities at Channel Islands National Park. 抄文引用元・出典: フリー百科事典『 ウィキペディア（Wikipedia）』 ■ウィキペディアで「Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary」の詳細全文を読む スポンサード リンク
|