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The ocean and planet need National Marine Sanctuaries now more than ever — JOIN US!
At the edge of San Francisco, a rich and wild ocean stirs. Where currents surge and life pulses, the Greater Farallones, Cordell Bank, and Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuaries stand as one of the planet’s most extraordinary marine ecosystems. Every year, millions of animals migrate to the nutrient-rich waters and one of only four major upwelling zones worldwide. What happens here shapes the entire Pacific. It will take all of us working together to ensure they remain healthy and resilient for generations to come.
Dr. Sylvia Earle with Mission Blue designated these sanctuaries as a global Hope Spot for the ocean.
Science leading to action and restoring ecosystems
Whether you’re drawn to fieldwork, community action, or education, there’s a way in. And every step you take fuels lasting change.
Join Us!
Foundational Science
Immersive Education
Innovative Restoration
“You really feel like you’re making a contribution to something much bigger than yourself, but your focus is on your beach, so it doesn’t feel overwhelming. We are all on this planet together, and Beach Watch is a small part of what it will take to keep it healthy.”
– Anne Kelley, Beach Watch volunteer since 2012
“It’s an incredible opportunity for my students, universally respected as something real and important. The LiMPETS scientists and educators are fantastic ambassadors for the oceans.”
– Teacher Jon Lew
Our Story
Founded in 1995 by a passionate community of marine conservationists, the Greater Farallones Association partners with NOAA’s national marine sanctuaries to protect and conserve one of the most biologically rich and ecologically diverse marine regions in the world – Greater Farallones, Cordell Bank, and Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuaries.
Through foundational science, immersive education programs, and innovative restoration projects, the Association leads initiatives that advance marine conservation locally, nationally, and globally — fostering a healthy ocean for both people and wildlife.
Why us — and why now?
These sanctuaries aren’t just a protected zone; it’s a frontline in the fight against climate change, habitat loss, and ecological disconnect. As ocean conditions shift and pressures mount, we cannot stand idle. We are committed to science that scales, action that inspires, and impact that persists.
But we can’t do it alone. You are part of the story. By joining us — as a volunteer, partner, donor, learner, advocate — you help write the next chapter in ocean conservation.
Join Us Today!
Explorations & Events
Volunteer Opportunities
Ocean Birthday Parties
Just beyond the Golden Gate lies Greater Farallones National Marine Sanctuary and Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuary. These Sanctuaries encompass more than 4,000 square miles of federally protected open ocean and coastal waters off the North-Central California coast and one of the most productive and biodiverse ocean ecosystems on the planet. These waters are home to one of the largest feeding grounds for white sharks, 29 species of whales and dolphins, over 390 species of fish, and over 330 species of invertebrates including deep-sea corals, sponges, shrimp, crabs, octopuses, and more!
Greater Farallones Association is a 501c3 non-profit organization founded in 1995 to help ensure the ecosystem within Greater Farallones National Marine Sanctuary remains an biologically diverse and globally significant ocean environment. We work to sustain a healthy and resilient ocean through conservation, science, education, and community involvement.
