Fragile invertebrate life is abundant on Cordell Bank. (Photo: Cordell Expeditions)

Since its designation in 1989, the sanctuary has grown from having no staff or budget for eight years, to a staff of eight. The Gulf of the Farallones National Marine Sanctuary manager has managed the Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuary since 1991. The first full-time staff person was hired in 1995, but was funded by the Gulf of the Farallones National Marine Sanctuary. In 1998, a $129,000 budget was allocated, and in 2000 two additional staff were hired.

In June 2003, NOAA hired a Sanctuary manager solely to manage the resources of Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuary. The Sanctuary will continue to work closely with Gulf of the Farallones in fulfilling the mission of protecting our nation's ocean treasures. The Sanctuary staff currently consist of a sanctuary manager, administrative assistant, education and outreach coordinator, research coordinator, biological technician, part time GIS specialist, part time data manager, and a sanctuary advisory council coordinator.

The sanctuary has always sought partnerships to help protect the physical and biological resources of the bank. The sanctuary office is located in Point Reyes National Seashore, Marin County, CA. Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuary shares its southern and eastern boundaries with the Gulf of the Farallones National Marine Sanctuary.

Learn about a monthly marine debris monitoring program in Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuary, the establishment of the largest marine conservation area in the world and almost 100 other resource protection, science and education accomplishments in the just released 2006 State of the Sanctuaries Report.

Cordell Bank, Gulf of the Farallones, and Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuaries are evaluating their management plans. The National Marine Sanctuary Program is required by law to periodically review sanctuary management plans to ensure that sanctuaries continue to best conserve, protect, and enhance their nationally significant living and cultural resources.

A joint review is occurring because of the close proximity of the three sanctuaries. To get the most up to date information regarding the Central California Joint Management Plan Review, please go directly to: http://sanctuaries.noaa.gov/jointplan

Yellowtail Rockfish are one of forty species of rockfish that live in the waters at Cordell Bank. (Photo: Kip Evans)

• What is an MPR? (pdf brochure)
• Notice of Joint Management Plan Review in Federal Register (pdf)
• Current management plan report (pdf)
• Current regulations for the sanctuary

The National Marine Sanctuaries Act creates the authority for the sites to regulate and do certain activities. To read the Act, please click here.