Gulf of the Farallones Marine Sanctuary

The Farallon Islands are located 27 miles off the coast of California west of San Francisco, in the Gulf of the Farallones National Marine Sanctuary. The islands support a spectacular assemblage of wildlife including nearly ź million seabirds such as the common murre, Cassin's auklet, and tufted puffin. During late spring and summer, Seabirds use the islands for breeding, nesting, and raising their chicks. The Farallones also are important habitat for thousands of seals and sea lions that use the islands for breeding and resting. The waters surrounding the islands are some of the richest waters on the planet and provide important ocean habitat for many species of porpoises and dolphins such as harbor porpoise, Pacific white-sided dolphin, and Dall's porpoise. The islands also provide migratory destinations and/or migration pathways for many species including the great white shark and whales, such as the orca or killer whale, the gray whale, and the endangered humpback and blue whale. Given appropriate sea conditions, this eight hour adventure allows us to explore not only the islands, but more pelagic, deep ocean waters west of the Farallones.

The coastal Miwok's called the Farallones the "islands of the dead" because they believed they visited the islands in spirit only. Their boats crafted of tule reeds could not make it through the rough seas to the Farallon islands, but myth has it they sent their dead wrapped in the tule reeds to the island of the spirits. These islands have also been called "the Galapagos of central California" and because of the spectacular seasonal display of richness and abundance, wildlife observations are unparalleled.

Years ago, these 90 million year old chunks of granite were inhabited by lighthouse keepers and their families. Today, only research scientists from Point Reyes Bird Observatory live on the island, and depending on season, studies to answer important questions about this complex ecosystem are being conducted on seabirds, sharks, seals and sea lions.

SUNSET MAGAZINE JUNE 2006
The Jagged Edge - ARTICLE IN SUNSET MAGAZINE JUNE 2005

San Franciscos Farallon Islands are mysterious, wild, and remote, but a new book has put them in the spotlight. Its author, SUSAN CASEY, explains why this lonely place needs to be studied, marveled atand left alone (6/05)

FMSA

The Farallones Marine Sanctuary Association (FMSA) is the only non-profit organization dedicated to protecting the Gulf of the Farallones National Marine Sanctuary's wildlife and habitats through the development of a diverse community of informed and active ocean stewards. We collaborate closely with the Sanctuary staff and coordinate and sponsor programming and initiatives that ensure the Sanctuary is protected. From education to research and volunteer programming, we work to build a concerned and aware public network to promote this goal.

Sanctuary History Designated in 1981 because of its rich biological diversity, the Gulf of the Farallones National Marine Sanctuary (GFNMS) surrounds the wind-swept peaks of the Farallon Islands off of the Golden Gate. The Sanctuary encompasses over 1,200 square miles of open ocean and coastal waters as well as bays and estuariesfrom Bodega Head in Sonoma County all the way down along the San Mateo County coast. The islands in its midst serve as breeding grounds for more seabirds than any other area in the contiguous United States. The Sanctuary contains vital nursery and spawning grounds for many fish and shellfish. At least 36 species of marine mammals have been observed within its borders, including 25 endangered species, such as the blue and humpback whales.

Information on The Farallones Marine Sanctuary Association:

Gulf of the Farallones National Marine Sanctuary Sanctuary Visitor Center at Crissy Field in San Francisco.
The Presidio, Building 991
San Francisco, CA 94129
phone: 415-561-6622
fax: 415-561-6616
web: www.farallones.org/
email:farallones@noaa.gov
or their main web site at: Farallones Marine Sanctuary Association The Farallones Marine Sanctuary Association (FMSA) is a non-profit, cooperating association that helps protect he resources managed by the Gulf of the Farallones National Marine Sanctuary through collaborative education, interpretation, outreach, and research.

Great White Sharks can be spotted October and November
Gray whales migrate north in the spring and south in the fall. Dec - May.
Blue and humpback whales migrate to waters off central California June - November

Farallones Marine Sanctuary Association Expeditions
Whale Watching Trips with FMSA
They often encounter humpback whales, the occasional blue whale, as well as harbor porpoises, Dalls porpoises, Steller sea lions, or any of the other 36 species of marine mammals found in Sanctuary waters. Weather permitting you will see the Farallon Islands up close. Departs from the San Francisco Marina. 7:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. Trips are $85 for non-members and $78 for members. Spaces are limited and fill up quickly.
(415) 561-6625 x 300