Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary is recognized as an ecologically significant marine ecosystem, supporting tremendous biodiversity in close proximity to highly populated Southern California. A wide range of sanctuary research and monitoring projects reflects this confluence of people and nature, as well as the diversity of science partners involved.
Learn more about sanctuary research priorities, including ecosystem connectivity, soundscapes, seafloor mapping, deep-sea corals, and interactive status and trend reporting.
The Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary Condition Report assesses the condition and trends of sanctuary resources, informing management planning efforts.
The Science Needs Assessment is an evaluation of science and information requirements of the sanctuary, guided by condition report findings and sanctuary management issues.
A wide variety of research and monitoring activities are underway within the sanctuary, led by various academic, agency, and non-governmental partners. Learn more within the SIMoN website.
The Research Activities Panel is a working group of the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council that reviews and advises the council and sanctuary staff on a variety of research topics.
Sanctuary staff use a range of platforms to advance our mission of protecting natural and cultural resources through research and education.
A permit from NOAA's Office of National Marine Sanctuaries is required when a research or education project would result in conducting a prohibited activity within the sanctuary.
