Important Ecological Areas in Monterey Bay - Oceana

Report | September, 2012

Important Ecological Areas in Monterey Bay

 

Located in the Central Coast of California, Monterey Bay is renowned for its complex seafloor habitat, deep submarine canyons, strong seasonal upwelling, and abundance of forage species.  As an Important Ecological Area within the California Current Large Marine Ecosystem and home to our nation’s largest national marine sanctuary, Monterey Bay plays a vital role in the region’s marine health and biodiversity. 

In late August and early September of 2010, a team of Oceana researchers explored the depths of Monterey Bay using a Remotely Operated Vehicle equipped with high definition video camera with the primary goal of characterizing seafloor habitats and associated fish species at specific areas of interest on the continental shelf of the Monterey Bay region.