Even when the fish aren't biting there are few more beautiful surroundings to enjoy the warm California sun almost year around. Divers find the Sanctuary a wonderland with miles and miles of shoreline that attract sea creatures of all descriptions. The kelp beds near the islands form a protective habitat for juvenile marine life that in turn attracts a full range of the food chain. Whether scuba diving with a camera or a speargun or snorkeling near the shoreline, the recreational divers will find each dive in the Sanctuary a memorable one. The water is cold, but crisp and clear with a vast array of habitats and scenery to engage beginners as well as the most experienced divers.
Giant kelp attracts marine life which draws recreational users to the sanctuary.
One thing most recreational users have noticed in the last few years, though, is a change in the marine environment. The fish are more scarce, the abalone are almost non-existent, and there is starkness to the underwater world as compared with years ago. The causes of these changes are not well understood, but clearly these changes signal a wake-up call. In order to keep their vibrancy our valuable marine resources need the same attention as our terrestrial resources. The Sustainable Seas Expeditions are an important element for helping us understand the world below the surface of our ocean.