Cordell Bank
National Marine Sanctuary
Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuary is entirely offshore. Within its 1,286 square miles, the sanctuary protects soft seafloor habitat, a rocky bank, deep sea canyons, and communities of wildlife throughout. Its surface waters are feeding areas for local and migratory seabirds and marine mammals.
News
Cordell Bank Seeks Applicants for Sanctuary Advisory Council Positions
The Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuary seeks applicants for the Community-at-Large Sonoma Seat (2 positions available), Conservation Seat, Fishing Seat , and Maritime Activities Seat on its Sanctuary Advisory Council. The council advises the sanctuary superintendent on priority issues and connects local communities with the sanctuary, while providing opportunities for information exchange on issues affecting the health of the sanctuary. Members represent a variety of interests including research, conservation, education, recreation and commercial activities. Learn more and apply.
Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuary Poster
Ocean conditions and undersea topography combine to fuel a rich and diverse marine community around Cordell Bank. The rocky bank is encrusted with colorful anemones, sponges, and corals and provides habitat for species like top snails, decorator crabs, rosy rockfish, lingcod, and giant Pacific octopus. The waters above and around the bank concentrate krill, juvenile rockfish, anchovy, and jellies attracting ocean sunfish, California sea lions, and the blue whale.
Conservation Science
The offshore location of Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuary makes for an ideal “ocean” study area. Sanctuary scientists collaborate with universities, nongovernmental organizations, federal agencies, and others to learn about and monitor these biodiverse waters.
Visit from Afar
Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuary is entirely offshore, making visiting in person fairly difficult. Visit from afar through exhibits with our partners.
Tune into the Ocean!
The ocean covers 75% of our planet – we truly live on Planet Ocean. Join our sanctuary educator for the monthly Ocean Currents radio program. Tune in to discover the depths and far reaches of this watery realm. We'll talk with experts in the field about current research, management issues, natural history, and stewardship associated with the marine environment, especially in our national marine sanctuaries.
National Marine Sanctuary System
Safeguarding America's Premier Marine Places
From Washington state to the Gulf of America and from the Great Lakes to the Pacific Islands, the National Marine Sanctuary System protects 18 underwater parks spanning over 629,000 square miles of ocean and Great Lakes waters. By investing in innovative solutions, we strengthen these iconic places to address 21st-century challenges while supporting America's commerce and tourism. These unique locations inspire people to visit, value, and steward our nation’s iconic ocean and Great Lakes waters.