In 1972, in response to a growing awareness of the value of our coastal waters, Congress passed the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act. The act authorized the designation of National Marine Sanctuaries to protect significant waters and secure habitat for marine species, shelter historically significant shipwrecks and other cultural resources, and serve as valuable spots for research, fishing, wildlife viewing, boating, and tourism. Find out more about the National Marine Sanctuaries Act
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) National Marine Sanctuaries protect some of our countries most dynamic and beautiful marine environments, and storied maritime heritage resources. Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuary is one of 18 national marine sanctuaries and Papahānaumokuākea and Rose Atoll marine national monuments. Learn more about management of the sanctuaries.
Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuary
On May 24, 1989, Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuary was designated as the eighth sanctuary in the nation protecting an ocean area of 399 square nautical miles (529 square miles) off the northern California coast. In 2015, NOAA expanded the sanctuary boundaries, resulting in protection of a total area of approximately 1,286 square miles (971 square nautical miles). The sanctuary is charged with protecting and conserving the site's resources while allowing uses that are compatible with resource protection.
Sanctuary Administration
Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuary is located entirely in federal waters and managed by the Greater Farallones and Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuaries superintendent and staff with oversight provided by the West Coast Regional Office and the Office of National Marine Sanctuaries. The National Marine Sanctuaries Act also authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to establish sanctuary advisory councils to provide advice to the Secretary of Commerce regarding the designation and management of national marine sanctuaries. This authority has been delegated to the Director of the Office of National Marine Sanctuaries. The Director established the Sanctuary Advisory Council.
Acting as the federal resource trustee responsible for managing Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuary requires an understanding of the authorizing legislation (National Marine Sanctuaries Act), regulations, terms of designation (91 KB)(2015 revision), management plan and permitting. Following mandates and requirements of these documents ensures that these wild ocean places will be protected for future generations.
The Sanctuary's Role in Resource Protection
The sanctuary develops programs and supports initiatives that strengthen resource protection and ensures best management practices for the long-term health of the Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuary region. Resource protection efforts include increasing ocean awareness, knowledge, and stewardship, monitoring ocean conditions, conducting research to better understand ocean processes, and enforcing sanctuary regulations. The sanctuary works closely with enforcement partners to protect water quality, ocean habitat, and biological diversity. Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuary's management plan provides a foundation for resource protection in the sanctuary.