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Greater Farallones and Cordell Bank Sanctuaries Come Together Under One Management Unit

March 21, 2023

Map of boundaries of Greater Farallones National Marine Sanctuary (GFNMS) and Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuary (CBNMS) off the North-Central California Coast. The southern GFNMS boundary is just south of Point Reyes and northern boundary is Point Arena. CBNMS sits off the coast between Bodega Head and Point Reyes.

Map of boundaries of Greater Farallones National Marine Sanctuary (GFNMS) and Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuary (CBNMS) off the North-Central California Coast. The southern GFNMS boundary is just south of Point Reyes and northern boundary is Point Arena. CBNMS sits off the coast between Bodega Head and Point Reyes.

Did you know that Greater Farallones and Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuaries are now one management unit? While the sanctuaries retain their unique boundaries and features that make them so special, the stewardship for managing both has officially come together under one superintendent and team. These two important federally-protected places have long collaborated on science, resource protection, and public education initiatives. But the merging of administrative resources creates one Sanctuaries team that can study, conserve, and steward the important ocean ecosystems within the boundaries of both areas (with help from Greater Farallones Association!). 

Stay informed on Sanctuaries’ newly merged Twitter and Facebook accounts, and Greater Farallones Association Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram accounts. 

Experience some of the amazing animals and habitats of the Sanctuaries in person at the Sanctuary Visitor Centers in San Francisco, Bear Valley Visitor Center and Ocean Exploration Center at Point Reyes National Seashore, or Pigeon Point Light Station in Pescadero (all of which are FREE!). Be sure to visit the Sanctuary-themed exhibits of these local aquariums and museums on your next visit: California Academy of Sciences and Oakland Museum of California. 

Learn more on the Greater Farallones and Cordell Bank websites.