Monterey Bay Marine Sanctuary contains Monterey Bay. The Sanctuary was established 1992 and houses more than 450 different species marine algae. In the 18th century, the Ohlone tribe was among the first human to infringe on Monterey. The Indian tribe seized control of the Monterey Bay region and used the area’s biological wealth to support their families. Evidence and findings indicate that abalone and mussels were the primary sources of food. The tribe “periodically burnt the landscape to promote native grasses growth” (Early History). Unknowingly, the tribe prevented the spread of invasive species in the area. This could have a significant impact on today’s area. According to Hart, the bay was named by Viscanio, an explorer who gave Monterey Bay its name in honor Conde de Monterey’s victory over New Spain. Monterey was one the 27 counties established in California when the country gained its independence. Monterey Bay, today a protected marine area, is home to a wide variety of species. The ocean floors are covered with lush kelp, which is rich in snails, crabs, sea stars and octopus. Further away from shore, you will find the seafloor covered with sand, mud, and harbors vibrant communities of fishes & invertebrates like sardines & market squid.” You can find hundreds of species right at the shoreline, around the tide pools. You will find sea urchins, mussels and many other alga around the platform, which is about a foot in the water. Monterey bay is surrounded by water and has miles of fertile soil. It also has a mild climate, which makes it a great place to grow backyard orchards.
The Monterey Bays Marine Sanctuary has three distinct seafloor segments. The North and Central regions are separated by the Southern. The lower part of the Central area is where Monterey Bay can be found. This area is home to the Marine Sanctuary’s most varied and physiographically important seafloor. The Monterey Bay area’s slopes are prone to erosion. The seafloor is dotted with large, massive gashes that are caused by tectonic movements along offshore faults. The Monterey Bay active fault is located three miles from the shoreline. The Monterey Bay is home to many marine protected conservation areas. These areas serve to conserve marine ecosystems and wildlife. Monterey is home many endangered species, including the California clapper sea otter and brown pelican. The conservation area raises awareness about the Bay’s endangered species. The Monterey Bay has seen a lot of human interaction. Local marine mammal numbers have been greatly affected by fishing. The marine center reported that ten percent or more of the sea lions were caught in nets by fishermen. The impact of boats on fisherman’s livelihoods is another factor. “Boat trafic has had an adverse effect on gray whale migrations. These whales will modify their migration path to avoid shipping.” (Palumbi). Contaminants have also been increasing in off-shore waters. This has led to temperature and chemical changes in the entire bay as well as the marine sanctuary. Monterey’s ecosystem is most at risk from military activity. Concerns have also risen about military proposals to make underwater acoustic devices, which could be disruptive to marine mammal communication, behavior, and health. (MBNMS). This is the greatest threat to Monterey bay’s future. Overfishing is the biggest threat to the future of the Monterey bay. “While there are many human activities that strain the marine environment, including the growing impacts of global climate change,” (MBNMS). In addition to the decline in oceans’ health, the main factors for the ocean’s decline are commercial fishing. The Monterey bay Aquarium does a fantastic job in explaining to visitors what the future of oceans looks like if it continues with its current fishing. The aquarium offers brochures and information about how to properly observe wildlife to all visitors. Avoiding feeding wildlife and keeping your hands off of them can help to prevent them from becoming dependent on humans. Every visitor can find ways to help the environment through different sections and exhibits within the aquarium. Monterey Bay Aquarium has joined 14 other non-profit organizations in the United States and Canada to promote support for keeping the ocean populated. It is hard to believe that anything will change in Monterey’s environment within the next 50 years, after having visited the area. The Aquarium and other organizations have increased public awareness of the Bay and helped to keep it stable. Monterey has found a way to preserve the ocean’s habitat and land through numerous advertisements. Although it seems like little, the bay has seen a significant improvement in its ability to resist pollution, overfishing, species interference, and other forms of pollution.
Monterey Bay is a place that is rich in life. It’s worth the trip to experience it all. People often think Monterey is full of marine life, but there’s more to it than that. The Bay is home to one of the most extensive underwater canyons anywhere in the world. The bay’s bottom has kelp forests that grow as big as trees. There are many conservation areas that protect native species from being invaded. These conservation areas are kept in great condition because of the public awareness they have gained over the years. Locals suggest that the aquarium be visited first if one plans to visit Monterey. This will allow them to learn more about the ecology and what species might be found there.
