Monterey Bay is located in the Monterey Bay Marine Sanctuary. The Sanctuary, established in 1992, is home to over 450 seaweeds and 340 different species of fish. One of the first human inhibitions in Monterey was the Ohlone tribe in the late 18th century. This Indian tribe took control of the Monterey Bay area and used the biologically rich area to support families. Based on the results and tests, the main food was mussels and abalone. This tribe first influenced the area by purchasing “periodically burning the landscape to promote the growth of native grasses” (Early History). This tribe unknowingly kept the area free of invasive species, which may impact the area today. The bay was named after a Viscanio explorer "who named Monterey Bay in honor of the Count of Monterey, then a victory of New Spain" (Hart). When California was admitted to the United States, Monterey was one of the original 27 counties established. Because Monterey Bay is a marine protected area today, there is a rich supply of species with good diversity among each species. The thriving algae that grow from the ocean floor “are full of crabs, snails, starfish, octopuses and a multitude of fish. Farther from shore, the seabed is covered in sand or mud and is home to colorful communities of fish and invertebrates, including sardines and market squid. (Palumbi) Many seasonal whale migrants are spotted throughout the year in Monterey Bay, from Gray Blue, Fin Whales and even Humpback Whales can be seen at the right time of year. Hundreds of species can also be found just off the beach, around the tide pools. Sea urchins, mussels, crabs of all kinds, various algae and even some fish lounge around the rock platform, lying up to about a foot and a half underwater. Out and Away from the Water Monterey Bay has miles of fertile soil and a favorable climate that is home to fruit growers. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay The seafloor of the Monterey Bays Marine Sanctuary is divided into three segments. The North, the Central and the South. Monterey Bay is located in the lower region of the central area. This central area “contains the most geologically and physiologically diverse seabed within the Marine Sanctuary. There is a vast amount of erosion dissection that occurs along the slopes of the Monterey Bay region. There are large, massive gashes along the sea floor due to tectonic movement along offshore faults. Along the land is the Monterey Bay Fault, which follows three miles north and is active. Many protected areas, which are marine protected areas, are located in Monterey Bay. These areas help conserve wildlife and marine ecosystems. Monterey is home to many endangered animals such as the sea otter, California clapper, brown pelican, and Yuma Ridgway rail. The protected area helps improve awareness of the endangered species found in the bay. Human interactions have had a good impact on Monterey Bay. Fishing has had a huge impact on local marine mammal populations. A large 10% of sea lions in the marine center have been reported killed or caught in a net by a fisherman. Another impact of fishermen is the impact of their boats. “Shipping traffic has affected the migration of gray whales. These whales will change the course of their migration to avoid ships." (Palumbi) Offshore waters have also shown increased levels of contaminants. That is.
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