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History of the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary
In 1980, a 1,252 square-nautical-mile portion of the Santa Barbara channel was given a special protected status with the designation of the channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary.
The sanctuary is an area of national significance because of its exceptional natural beauty and resources. It encompasses the waters that surround Anacapa, Santa Cruz, Santa Rosa, San Miguel and Santa Barbara islands, extending from mean high tide to six nautical miles offshore around each of the five islands.
The Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary is part of the National Marine Sanctuary program. The program began in 1972 with the passage of the Marine Protection, Research and Sanctuaries Act, which provides for designation of marine sanctuaries in ocean and coastal waters as well as the Great lakes. These special aquatic areas have as their primary goal protection of natural and cultural resources.
With in the Sanctuaries, which are administered by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, a division of the U.S. Department of Commerce, commercial and recreational activities are permitted only as log as they do not compromise the health of the ecosystem.
The Sanctuary in the Channel Islands works to enforce regulations of the sanctuary, to promote educational and research programs concerning the marine environment, and to encourage the public to visit the sanctuary. In partnership with other organization, the CINMS supports a variety of onshore research and education programs including joint funding for the Sea Center aquarium and touch tank displays on Stearn’s Wharf in Santa Barbara, support for the formation and continuance of MERA - the Marine Educators Regional Alliance, and participation as a lead agency in the Camp Internet Explore the California Channel Islands Program.