We protect the wildlife, habitats, and cultural resources of one of the most diverse and bountiful marine environments in the world, an area of 3,295 square miles off the northern and central California coast. The waters within Greater Farallones National Marine Sanctuary are a nationally significant marine ecosystem, and support an abundance of life, including many threatened and endangered species.
The sanctuary is recruiting for open seats on its Advisory Council. If interested, please apply by May 31, 2018
Saturday, April 21st, 2018 9:00am-12:00pm
Witness the mighty gray whale migration on this half-day cruise. Join our sanctuary naturalists as we venture into the northbound migration path of the gray whale as they head through our marine sanctuaries, traveling from Baja California breeding grounds to their Arctic feeding grounds with their calves. Learn about their natural history, their recovery from near extinction, and the survival challenges posed by their roughly 12,000 mile round-trip journey. Discover the natural history and adaptations of the seabirds, porpoises, seals and sea lions we encounter.
Trip FULL.
For more information or to be added to the wait list, contact Sara at sheintzelman@farallones.org
Sunday, May 6th, 2018 10:00am-2:00pm
Join Greater Farallones sanctuary naturalists and a California State Park Environmental Scientist for a 4 mile coastal wildflower and whale walk! We will explore Salt Point State Park while learning about bluff, coastal prairie, and near shore coastal ecology. Discover how State Parks are protecting and restoring these unique habitats. Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy while we keep a lookout for migrating gray whales traveling north with their calves.
For more information or to be added to the wait list, contact Sara at sheintzelman@farallones.org
Brisk spring winds churn up cold, nutrient-rich waters from the deep ocean, and sunlight sparks photosynthesis in microscopic sea plants. Tiny animals feed on them, and in turn become food for fish, seabirds, sharks and whales. Seabirds breed in raucous colonies on islands and cliffs, and giant whales move in to feast on fish and krill. The Pacific High pressure system holds storms at bay, sometimes shrouding the coast in fog.
This is prime seabird nesting season (look for Tufted Puffins!) at the Farallon Islands, and dinnertime for hungry humpbacks and blue whales in surrounding sanctuary waters.
The newest chapter of the Seabird Protection Network will focus its efforts on sensitive seabird colonies along the coast of Humboldt County. The chapter partners with citizen scientists to monitor for human disturbances and will develop outreach strategies to change behaviors, ensuring healthy seabird colonies on the North Coast. Read more about the chapter and how to volunteer as a seabird monitor.
After a two-year community-based, public process to address more than 100 non-compliant moorings in Tomales Bay, 2017 marks the year that all abandoned moorings, docks and vessels were removed from Tomales Bay, including abandoned moorings and docks in eelgrass beds. The Tomales Bay Mooring Program has brought the rest of the moorings into compliance and prohibits the placement of any future moorings in or adjacent to eelgrass. This is expected to result in significant restoration and long-term protection of the eelgrass beds and other sensitive habitats of Tomales Bay, as well as improve water quality and promote safer water-related recreation. Read about the Mooring Program, eelgrass protection and Tomales Bay.
NOAA expanded the boundaries of Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuary (CBNMS) and Gulf of the Farallones National Marine Sanctuary (GFNMS) to an area north and west of their old boundaries, and amended and added new regulations in 2015. NOAA also revised the corresponding sanctuary terms of designation and management plans. Read the final documents. GFNMS changed its name to Greater Farallones National Marine Sanctuary in 2016.
The ocean takes care of us; let's return the favor. Visit Thank You Ocean.
The Greater Farallones Association (GFA) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to protect the Greater Farallones National Marine Sanctuary habitats and wildlife through the development of a diverse community of informed and active ocean stewards.
Greater Farallones National Marine Sanctuary