Monterey Bay | Exploring Oceans

Summary

The Monterey Bay in California, renowned for its dramatic coastline and powerful waves, is home to the vast Monterey Canyon, supporting a diverse marine ecosystem. From tiny krill to the colossal migrating whales, the area teems with life, influenced by the canyon's deep upwelling currents. The region also hosts the world's largest bony fish, the mola, and dense kelp forests, which are vital habitats for various sea creatures. Overfishing once threatened species, but the establishment of a marine sanctuary in 1992 has led to increased research, appreciation, and conservation efforts, making Monterey Bay a hub of marine biodiversity.

Takeaways

• 🌊 The coast of California around Monterey Bay is famous for its rugged shoreline and powerful waves.
• 🏞️ Monterey Canyon, adjacent to the coast, is one of the world's largest undersea canyons, supporting a diverse marine ecosystem.
• 🦋 The canyon's upwelling currents create a rich environment for life, including tiny krill and migrating bing whales.
• 🐳 Gray whales feed on millions of tiny red krill in the waters of Monterey Bay, creating a feeding spectacle.
• 🦑 Humboldt squid, which can grow up to 2 meters long, use color and speed to evade predators in the area.
• 🐟 The mola, the world's largest bony fish, feeds on jellyfish and is also found near nutrient-rich kelp beds.
• 🦦 Otters, with the densest fur in the animal kingdom, have a high metabolic rate requiring them to eat about 20% of their body weight daily.
• 🌿 Monterey Bay is an ideal location for giant kelp, which can grow up to 50 meters high and houses a variety of marine creatures.
• 🌳 The Elorn Slooh estuary, at the curve of Monterey Bay, is a rich seasonal habitat for hundreds of species of birds and marine life.
• 🐟 Overfishing in the 20th century nearly depleted populations of sardines, salmon, and halibut in Monterey Bay.
• 🛡️ In 1992, the federal government designated a marine sanctuary around Monterey Bay, leading to increased research and protection of the ecosystem.

Q & A

What is the coast of California around Monterey Bay known for?

The coast of California around Monterey Bay is known for its spectacular rocky shoreline and its fierce waves, which are just a few kilometers off its coast.

What significant feature begins off the coast of Monterey Bay?

Off the coast of Monterey Bay begins the slope of an undersea canyon that ranks among the largest in the world, known as the Monterey Canyon.

What types of marine life does the Monterey Canyon support?

The Monterey Canyon supports a richness of marine life, from tiny shrimp-like krill to the migrating bing whales who feed on them.

Why does the gray whale appear to be in a 'blood bath' while feeding?

The gray whale appears to be in a 'blood bath' while feeding because it is actually feeding on millions of tiny red krill that thrive in the waters of the Monterey Canyon.

What is special about the upwelling currents in the Monterey Canyon?

The deep upwelling currents in the Monterey Canyon are significant because they contribute to the massive daily vertical migration of krill, providing food for predators both near the surface and in the depths.

What unique behavior does the Humboldt squid exhibit when threatened?

When threatened, the Humboldt squid flashes with color and jets itself through the water to evade predators.

What is the mola and what does it usually feed on?

The mola is the world's largest bony fish, which usually travels in the open sea and lives on a diet heavy with jellyfish, but it also lingers near nutrient-rich kelp beds.

Why do sea otters have such a high metabolic rate?

Sea otters have no blubber and such a high metabolic rate that they must daily eat about 20% of their body weight, which is why they are often seen foraging in kelp beds.

What makes Monterey Bay an ideal place for giant kelp?

Monterey Bay is ideal for giant kelp because it has a rocky seabed, plenty of nutrients, and calm waves, which are all necessary for the kelp to thrive and grow up to 50 meters high.

What is the significance of the Elorn Slooh estuary in Monterey Bay?

The Elorn Slooh estuary is significant because its shallow branches support marshes and mud flats, which serve as a critical habitat for hundreds of species of birds and marine life.

How did the federal government help protect the marine life in Monterey Bay?

In 1992, the federal government designated 7,500 square kilometers of ocean and seafloor around Monterey Bay as a marine sanctuary, which has helped protect the diverse ecosystem and marine wildlife.

What impact have the studies in Monterey Bay had on the understanding and protection of its marine life?

The studies in Monterey Bay have led to new understanding and appreciation of the diverse ecosystem, resulting in greater protection for the area and its marine wildlife.