CHANNEL ISLANDS : Federal Officials to Visit Sanctuary

Seven officials from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration will visit Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary this weekend to review its programs during an educational workshop today and a whale-watching cruise Sunday.

The visit will allow sanctuary staff to explain local marine programs and request an increase in federal funds, which Congress will consider in the next few months, said Cmdr. Steve Jameson.

The sanctuary needs an additional $2 million for more staff, research, enforcement and educational programs, Jameson said. Researching the decline of black abalone and better understanding the area’s water quality are two neglected priorities, he said. The sanctuary operates on about $400,000 a year.