What’s Special About Monterey Bay? On the central coast of California lies a rich marine sanctuary—Monterey Bay. The bay is part of a network of National Marine Sanctuaries, and provides habitat for over 34 species of marine mammals, 180 species of birds, and 525 different types of fish. Within the bay lies a submarine canyon that extends from a depth of 60 to 10,633 feet—that’s over two miles deep and twice the depth of the Grand Canyon. Two different bodies of water meet within the bay: cooler water from Alaska and warmer water from Mexico. These nutrient-rich waters attract animals who travel thousands of miles each year to feed and shelter within the moderate tides and temperatures of the bay. Everything from plankton to blue whales frequent these waters. And the jewel within this sanctuary? I would say it is the Monterey Bay Aquarium. What’s Special About the Monterey Bay …