Just offshore of Marin and Sonoma counties lies one of our nation’s most unique marine environments – Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuary. NOAA’s Office of National Marine Sanctuaries has released an immersive virtual reality film that allows viewers to experience the sanctuary like never before. 

Across the globe, human activities have unintentionally introduced invasive species to ecosystems, disrupting natural function and causing significant ecological, economic, and social damage. Within Bolinas Lagoon, the invasive European green crab (Carcinus maenas) poses a significant threat to native species and the natural function of the ecosystem. We are working with partners to remove these invasive crabs to ensure a healthy Bolinas Lagoon.

With heavy hearts, we remember and celebrate Robert (Bob) Wilson, a lifelong ocean champion whose impact will forever remain connected to the Farallon Islands and surrounding waters that Bob so passionately helped protect. 

Ric DeSantiago is in the last year of the joint doctoral program between San Diego State University and University of California, Davis. He joined us virtually from the Long Laboratory at SDSU to chat about his research, science communication, and his non-traditional path into intertidal ecology.

GFA Executive Director, Deb Self, was honored to contribute to National Marine Sanctuary Foundation’s blog for the Sanctuaries’ “Pride in the Ocean” celebration of Pride Month. To continue to find and address gaps in service, and opportunities to deepen non-transactional relationships, we all need to be more specific about special efforts to understand the needs of underserved and excluded communities.