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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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5:08
Pristine conditions along this area are a result of decades of work from activists.
6:35
Devil’s Slide was a treacherous section of Highway 1 until a landslide closed it for good.
4:34
Once upon a time, Wilder Ranch State Park was a dairy known for its delicious butter.
3:54
West Cliff Drive is one of the most beautiful features of Santa Cruz.
4:39
The Half Moon Bay Coastside Trail offers sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean.
6:48
This popular segment of the California Coastal Trail almost didn’t happen.
5:07
East Cliff Drive is one of the newest sections of the California Coastal Trail.
5:56
Big Sur is a precious jewel that remains pristine, rugged and remote.
5:27
It's not every day you get to witness 5,000-pound elephant seals charge each other.
6:00
This section of the California Coastal Trail has only been open to the public since 2007.
5:10
Pismo Beach is set to become a major destination for outdoor recreational activity.
4:27
Santa Barbara and the California Coastal Trail are windows into a fascinating history.