Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary
noun - The Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary is a reserve area off the California coast of the United States.
Established in 1980, the sanctuary in the Santa Barbara Channel is an area of national significance because of its exceptional natural beauty and resources. It encompasses the waters that surround Anacapa, Santa Cruz, Santa Rosa, San Miguel, and Santa Barbara Islands (five of the eight Channel Islands of California), extending from mean high tide to 6 nautical miles (11 km) offshore around each of the five islands. The sanctuary's primary goal is the protection of the natural and cultural resources contained within its boundaries. In addition to the federal restrictions placed on the sanctuary, 10% of the national marine sanctuary has been declared a "no-take" marine reserve by the State of California.
The National Marine Sanctuary program is run by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
