We protect the wildlife, habitats, and cultural resources of one of the most diverse and bountiful marine environments in the world, an area of 3,295 square miles off the northern and central California coast. The waters within Greater Farallones National Marine Sanctuary are a nationally significant marine ecosystem, and support an abundance of life, including many threatened and endangered species.
Greater Farallones National Marine Sanctuary Publishes Condition Report Detailing Conditions and Trends in Sanctuary Resources.
Greater Farallones National Marine Sanctuary in partnership with Greater Farallones Association work towards restoration of bull kelp forests with support from NOAA’s Office of Habitat Conservation
The latest climate vulnerability information builds on the 2015 report for key species, habitats, ecosystem services, and maritime heritage resources of the north-central California coast and ocean including Greater Farallones and Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuaries, as well as the northern portion of Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary.
Ocean ecosystems play a significant role in the global carbon cycle, absorbing and storing carbon over long timescales. Blue Carbon in Marine Protected Areas is a 3 part series authored by Greater Farallones National Marine Sanctuary and Greater Farallones Association and includes information and guidance for MPA managers to better understand and protect the carbon stores and sequestration process they manage.
Climate change is eating our coastline. The new Efficient Permitting Roadmap for Coastal Sediment Management is a first of its kind tool to help improve efficiency for both project planning and multi-agency permit review of nature-based projects to restore and increase resilience of coastal habitat.
Deep-sea corals provide refuge and food for many other species of invertebrates and fishes that are threatened by a number of issues, including crushing from the sinking of large vessels, fishing gear impacts and ocean acidification. For more information on current activities, read about Deep-Sea Coral Research and Restoration.
NOAA intends to invest $2 million to help repair and upgrade NOAA's office and visitor center. This facility is located in a historic lifeboat station at Crissy Field, managed in cooperation with the National Park Service. This investment would help increase public awareness of the sanctuary and support the local tourism economy.
Each month this year, the Office of National Marine Sanctuaries is releasing a commemorative poster highlighting each sanctuary. This poster highlights the true beauty and importance of the waters surrounding Greater Farallones.
As the winds slow or reverse direction in the fall, the ocean 'relaxes,' upwelling ceases, and warm surface waters shift back toward the coast.
Bolinas Lagoon is an internationally recognized tidal estuary with complex habitat types that support a myraid of plant, bird, terrestrial, and marine species. Just 15 miles north of San Francisco, the Lagoon faces current and future environmental challenges from flooding, erosion, and sea level rise, that threaten its surrounding natural and built environments. Learn more about how Greater Farallones and GFA are working together to help this important ecosystem adapt to these changes so that people, plants, and animals can continue to enjoy the beautiful landscape of Bolinas Lagoon.
This poster features Greater Farallones National Marine Sanctuary, located off the Northern Coast California. A special place for endangered species, sensitive habitats, historic shipwrecks, and cultural resources, this poster highlights the true beauty and importance of the waters surrounding Greater Farallones.
The Greater Farallones Association (GFA) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to support protection of the Greater Farallones National Marine Sanctuary habitats and wildlife through the development of a diverse community of informed and active ocean stewards.
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