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California Coastal Trail
Monterey Bay Sanctuary: Serengeti of the Sea
Season 1
Episode 28
Once the fishing and canning industries left Monterey Bay, it took decades of effort to protect the precious resource that remained. Finally in 1992, then Congressman Leon Panetta authored legislation that established the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. This "Serengeti of the Sea" offers some of the best wildlife viewing in the world, much of it visible from the California Coastal Trail that stretches along the Central Coast from San Francisco to Cambria. The sanctuary encompasses some 6000 square miles filled with beautiful beaches, crystal clear tide pools, lush kelp forests, steep canyons and an abundance of life -- from tiny shrimp to playful sea otters and giant blue whales.
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5:32
Newport Beach's coastal center is undoubtedly around its namesake pier selling fresh fish.
5:02
Little Corona del Mar Beach makes up for its size with a bounty of tide pools.
5:10
San Clemente's coast is 2.3 miles of beautifully constructed trail, and 11 beaches.
4:13
Enter Ocean Discovery Institute, founded 1999 to help fill in gaps in science education.
3:21
San Diego's coastline is fortunate enough to be hugged by a major rail artery.
1:39
At the most southern end of the California Coastal Trail you find classic, sandy beaches.
4:23
The Scripps Institution of Oceanography continues to honor its 100 year legacy.
5:39
This segment features a profile of Phil Breshnahan, a sixth year Ph.D. candidate.
4:22
Explore the vast expanse and beauty of Coronado and its neighboring coastal communities.
3:49
The Tijuana Estuary is a coastal salt marsh where the tides come and go, like the ocean.
2:18
The CCT may someday become as recognizable as other famous American routes.