Cannery Row - Monterey Visitors Guide - (Page 6) 6 Sanctuary T he Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary is one of our nation’s treasured underwater parks. Each of the 14 marine sanctuaries protects a special underwater or coastal environment. The Sanctuary extends an average of 35 miles offshore, covers over 5300 square miles, and possesses an astonishingly diverse array of marine life, including 26 species of marine mammals, 345 species of fish and 4 species of turtles. Plus, 31 phyla of invertebrates (the clams, sea urchins and abalone of this world), and hundreds of species of plants from near-invisible plankton to the long fronds of kelp – which is, incidentally, the fastest growing marine algae in the world, adding an unbelievable 24 feet to its stem and leaves daily. Nothing beats the experience of meeting seals or sea otters on their own ground – or rather, out on the water – in a kayak. While good marine ‘etiquette’ (and the law) forbids humans from pestering marine wildlife by approaching too close, there’s nothing to stop a curious critter from poking its head up right beside you. If you ever needed a waterproof camera – even a little disposable, if you don’t wish to trust your new digital to the dry-bag available for your valuables – that will be the moment!
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