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.
Celebrate SharktoberFest, at NOAA's Greater Farallones National Marine Sanctuary Headquarters on Crissy Beach, San Francisco Presidio, from 11am to 4pm. This FREE event, co-sponsored by Greater Farallones and Shark Stewards, celebrates the white sharks that come to feed in our sanctuary each year. Featured: live sharks, shark experts, a science station, sea life printing, live music, food vendors. a costume contest and parade, and a great beachside location! Special programs (e.g., "Sharkitecture 101") have nominal fees. Contact Sara for Special Program reservations. Please use public or muscle-powered transport: GGT, Muni 28 & 29, PresidiGo.
These seats are open for the sanctuary advisory council: Mendocino/Sonoma Community-At-Large (Alternate), Conservation (Alternate), and Youth (Alternate). We invite you to apply.
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.
The Public Comment Period closed on Aug 15, 2017 on the review of National Marine Sanctuaries and Marine National Monuments Designated or Expanded since April 28, 2007, in relation to Executive Order (EO) 13795, Section 4(b).
As the winds slow or reverse direction in the fall, the ocean 'relaxes,' upwelling ceases, and warm surface waters shift back toward the coast. Larval fish and invertebrates are swept inshore to settle and grow. Seabird rookeries fall quiet as the last chicks fledge. The water becomes clearer, inviting white sharks to delectable seal meals. Giant leatherback sea turtles and mola mola sunfish dine on jellies and squid, while flocks of shearwaters feed and fatten before returning to New Zealand nesting sites. This is a welcome stopover for other migrating birds along the Great Pacific Flyway.
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.
The Monterey Bay and Greater Farallones Sanctuaries held a joint public meeting at the Half Moon Bay Yacht Club. Download the draft agenda to review the topics that were discussed. You can also read the 3rd Quarter Superintendent's Report.
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