PHASE I

Unique oceanographic conditions, diverse habitats, and an assortment of cold and warm water flora and fauna characterize the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary (CINMS). Unfortunately, development, resource extraction, pollution, poor management, and other pressures are threatening the region. In 1998, the CINMS began a management plan review, incorporating recommendations from federal, state and local agencies, community stakeholders, and interest groups. The CINMS staff and the concerned community identified the need for a comprehensive ecological site characterization to provide basic knowledge and to promote public stewardship of the Sanctuary.
The Marine Sanctuary Group (MSG) Project was proposed to synthesize available biological and physical data in order to provide baseline information about the distribution of marine habitats within the Sanctuary. The MSG Project is expected to promote an ecosystem understanding of the CINMS, and provide an interactive medium for public stewardship of Sanctuary resources.