by Michael Bear

Monterey is well-known for its beautiful landscapes, both underwater and above land and Whaler’s Cove in Pt. Lobos and San Carlos Beach–known locally as the ‘Breakwater,’ are no exception.

Whaler’s Cove, a protected cove within Pt Lobos, was warmer than average for this time of year, at 55 F. and provided an excellent glimpse of the denizens of Giant Kelp and Southern Palm forests, with Giant Spined Sea Stars, Cobalt and Yellow Sponges, Rockfish and thousands of tiny shrimp in the water column, which provided food for the marine life, but reduced visibility in some parts of the cove. There was also a bit of surge, which can make exiting a bit tricky over the moss-covered rocks.

See here for more: http://www.examiner.com/scuba-diving-in-san-diego/san-diego-diver-dives-whaler-s-cove-and-the-breakwater-monterey

Video:

A very large species of nudibranch, which grows up to 6 inches in length...

©2011 Michael Bear

Video:

A type of marine worm extends its fan to search for food……

Video:

Crab waddles between Tube-Dwelling Anemones

Point Lobos State Reserve from Barbara Lloyd (HDV Diva) on Vimeo.

While they are not underwater photos, these shots by Barbara Lloyd [Stella Luna Productions] show the beauty of Monterey, CA, taken in 2009 and 2010 during our annual REEF Marine Life Survey.

A short, acoustic series of images and video representing much of the life and activities you will find within the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary by NOAA  Data Analyses  Specialist, Chad King.

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.

For more information, please visit http://montereybay.noaa.gov/

and for more videos and images like these, see: http://www.youtube.com/user/simon299

The 110th US Open Golf Championship occurred at Pebble Beach from June 17-20, 2010. MBNMS research staff conducted a dive just offshore of the tournament on June 19.