Management Plan Revision for Greater Farallones and Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuaries

A long-billed curlew bird flying over beach waves.
Over 420,000 seabirds and shorebirds breed on islands, rocks, and cliffs adjacent to the Greater Farallones National Marine Sanctuary, plus millions of birds migrate to the sanctuary to feed on the abundant food. Photo: Lisa Carpenter

Periodic review of the sanctuary's management plan is required under the National Marine Sanctuaries Act and ensures that management actions effectively address current and emerging issues and protect sanctuary resources. NOAA is developing a single, unified management plan for Greater Farallones and Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuaries, and has published a request for information to solicit public input on preliminary management priorities for the new plan. Public engagement is central to NOAA's community-based approach to managing national marine sanctuaries. The agency will provide multiple opportunities for the public to provide input throughout the management plan review process. The agency will accept public comments for 45 days (public comment ended August 24, 2026).

Management Plan Review Process

1

Sanctuary condition report released
Cordell Bank (2023), Greater Farallones (2024)

2

Public input period
July 10, 2026 - August 24, 2026

4

Prepare draft management plan and applicable environmental analysis

We are here!

5

Release draft management plan and environmental analysis/Public review and comment on draft documents

6

Prepare final management plan and final environmental analysis

7

Publish final management plan and final environmental analysis

Reports and Documents

For more information, contact Brian Johnson or (415) 530-5353