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Jody
E.G.D.Santa Cruz-a-palooza (Part 3: The Wharf & Marine Sanctuary)
Posted by Jody on May 15, 2013
The Santa Cruz Wharf on California’s Central Coast ~A quiet midweek in early May~
At 2,745 feet in length, the wooden Santa Cruz Wharf is the longest pier on the West Coast of the USA.
Greg and I had the best time exploring the Santa Cruz Wharf. We could hear the California sea lions (Zalophus californianus) barking from the beach, but we didn’t spot the first set of these noisy critters until we got to the very end of the wharf. The next morning, there were quite a few sea lions out enjoying the sunshine on the deck alongside the wharf’s waterside stairs. They were quite active and very entertaining!
About the marine sanctuary aspect of the Santa Cruz Wharf:
“The Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary (MBNMS) is a Federally protected marine area offshore of California’s central coast. Stretching from Marin to Cambria, the MBNMS encompasses a shoreline length of 276 miles and 6,094 square miles of ocean. Supporting one of the world’s most diverse marine ecosystems, it is home to numerous mammals, seabirds, fishes, invertebrates and plants in a remarkably productive coastal environment. The MBNMS was established for the purpose of resource protection, research, education, and public use of this national treasure. The MBNMS is part of a system of 13 National Marine Sanctuaries and one marine national monument, administered by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.”
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More helpful links~ The City of Santa Cruz: The Santa Cruz Wharf
Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Foundation
Marine Protected Areas and the California Marine Life Protection Act
Santa Cruz, California (Photos) | Saunsea said
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Jody said
Thanks for sharing!
Marianne said
A gorgeous blue sky! I like your mosaic of photos.
Blessings,
Marianne xo
Jody said
Thank you! The hardest part of putting the mosaic together is picking the best photos to share! xo
Maryanne said
I love the close up of the sea lion! So adorable. Lucky you got so close to him 😉
Jody said
Thank you! They were just hanging out alongside the wharf. It almost seemed as if they were posing for the tourists!