The Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary
United States National Marine Sanctuary
A U.S. National Marine Sanctuary is a zone within United States waters, where the marine environment enjoys special protection. The program began in 1972 in response to public concern about the plight of marine ecosystems.
Full Answer
When was the first settlement in the Channel Islands?
History Human settlement on the Channel Islands began some 25,000 years ago, well before the Neolithic floods which gave birth to the English Channel. The population is believed to have been large for the times, and sophisticated enough to leave remnants such as the La Hougue Bie burial mound and the mysterious Guernsey statue menhirs.
What are the Channel Islands called today?
Channel Islands. The Channel Islands ( Norman: Îles d'la Manche; French: Îles Anglo-Normandes or Îles de la Manche) are an archipelago in the English Channel, off the French coast of Normandy. They include two Crown dependencies: the Bailiwick of Jersey, which is the largest of the islands; and the Bailiwick of Guernsey,...
Why are the Channel Islands not part of the European Union?
They are self-governing British Crown Dependencies and comprise the two separate territories of the Bailiwick of Jersey and the Bailiwick of Guernsey. The islands were named “Channel Islands” by the Royal Navy around 1830. Since these islands are Crown Dependencies, they do not form a part of the European Union nor the Commonwealth of Nations.
Do the Channel Islands have their own government?
For the most part the islands legislate for themselves. Each island has its own primary legislature, known as the States of Guernsey and the States of Jersey, with Chief Pleas in Sark and the States of Alderney. The Channel Islands are not represented in the UK Parliament.
Are there any towns on the Channel Islands?
Santa Catalina Island is the only one of the eight islands with a significant permanent civilian settlement—the resort city of Avalon, California, and the unincorporated town of Two Harbors.
Which Channel Islands are inhabited?
The inhabited islands of the Channel Isles are Jersey, Guernsey, Alderney, Sark, Herm (the main islands); Jethou, Brecqhou (Brechou), and Lihou.
Who settled the Channel Islands?
There were probably some Celtic Britons who settled on the Islands in the 5th and 6th centuries AD (the indigenous Celts of Great Britain, and the ancestors of the modern Welsh, Cornish, and Bretons) who had emigrated from Great Britain in the face of invading Anglo-Saxons.
How many permanently inhabited Channel Islands are there?
This lush archipelago is made up of eight permanently inhabited islands - the largest is Jersey, followed by Guernsey, Alderney, Sark, Brecqhou (Brechou), Herm and Jethou (population three) - as well as uninhabited islets, and these gems look especially fairytale-like from the air, surrounded by aquamarine water.
Can you live on Channel Islands?
Living in Channel Islands Beach offers residents a sparse suburban feel and most residents rent their homes. In Channel Islands Beach there are a lot of parks. Many young professionals live in Channel Islands Beach and residents tend to lean liberal.
Can you stay on Channel Islands?
There are NO services or lodging on the islands. Visitors must bring all their own food and water (potable water is available in the Scorpion Canyon campground on Santa Cruz Island and the Water Canyon campground on Santa Rosa Island).
Why is Jersey not French?
Jersey was part of the Duchy of Normandy, whose dukes became kings of England from 1066. After Normandy was lost by the kings of England in the 13th century, and the ducal title surrendered to France, Jersey remained loyal to the English Crown, though it never became part of the Kingdom of England.
Why is Guernsey not French?
Francophones prevailed over English speakers. When the English arrived in the 1800s, the islanders started becoming anglicized. Now the local inhabitants speak English while French is still spoken to a lesser degree. Norman patois has survived in Guernsey, Jersey, and Sark.
Are the Channel islands a tax haven?
The island offers attractive tax caps on the amount of income tax payable by residents and has: No capital gains taxes. No wealth taxes. No inheritance, estate or gift taxes.
Can a UK citizen move to the Channel islands?
If you hold a British or EEA passport or have been granted “Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK”, you can move over to Guernsey, live in a single occupancy Open Market property and work on the Island for as long as you wish, or you can live in a multi-occupancy Open Market dwelling and work here for a maximum of 5 ...
Can I retire to Jersey Channel Islands?
To apply for indefinite leave to remain in Jersey, you must: have lived legally in the United Kingdom and / or Channel Islands for a certain length of time (usually between two and five years) pass the Citizenship test (also known as a 'Life in the UK' test) meet the English language requirement.
Can I move to Jersey Channel Islands?
An immigration permission in the form of a visa will be required for anyone else who wishes to come and work in Jersey. Certain nationalities require visas regardless of the purpose of their stay in Jersey. All nationalities require a visa if they wish to work, study or settle in Jersey.
Does anyone live on Santa Cruz Island?
The island is part of Santa Barbara County, California. The 2000 census showed a population of two people. Santa Cruz is the largest privately owned island off the contiguous United States. Ownership is split between the National Park Service (24%) and the Nature Conservancy (76%).
Why is Guernsey not French?
Francophones prevailed over English speakers. When the English arrived in the 1800s, the islanders started becoming anglicized. Now the local inhabitants speak English while French is still spoken to a lesser degree. Norman patois has survived in Guernsey, Jersey, and Sark.
Which is the smallest Channel Island?
SarkThe smallest of the four main Channel Islands, Sark is located some 80 miles from the south coast of England and only 24 miles from the north coast of France.
Is Guernsey a tax haven?
Guernsey – a Tax Efficient Jurisdiction Guernsey is a leading international financial centre with a good reputation and excellent standards: The general rate of tax payable by Guernsey companies is zero*. There is no capital gains tax, inheritance tax, value added tax or withholding tax.
Which country claimed the Channel Islands?
With the 1259 Treaty of Paris, England ceded its claim on Normandy and since then the Channel Islands became a possession of the British Crown. The Channel Islands were the only territories of the United Kingdom that were occupied by the Germans during the Second World War.
What are the Channel Islands?
They are self-governing British Crown Dependencies and compris e the two separate territories of the Bailiwick of Jersey and the Bailiwick of Guernsey. The islands were named “Channel Islands” by the Royal Navy around 1830. Since these islands are Crown Dependencies, they do not form a part of the European Union nor the Commonwealth of Nations.
What is the area of Alderney Island?
With an area of 7.8 km 2 , Alderney island is the third-largest and the northernmost inhabited island in the Channel Islands archipelago.
What is the fifth most populous island in the Channel Islands?
Herm , which is also a part of the Bailiwick of Guernsey, is the fifth-most populous island in the Channel Islands archipelago.
What is the Bailiwick of Jersey?
The Bailiwick of Jersey comprises the principal island of Jersey along with the uninhabited small island groups of the Les Minquiers, Les Écréhous, Les Dirouilles, Les Pierres de Lecq, and numerous other reefs. Covering a total area of 118.2 km 2, the island of Jersey is the largest, the most populous, and the southernmost of the Channel Islands.
What is the island of Guernsey?
Covering a total area of 65 km 2, the island of Guernsey is the second-largest and the westernmost of the Channel Islands. Guernsey Island is administratively divided into 10 parishes. These parishes are Castel, Forest, St Andrew, St Martin, St Peter Port, St Pierre du Bois, St Sampson, St Saviour, Torteval, and Vale. Located on the eastern coast of Guernsey island is St. Peter Port which serves as the island’s capital as well as its principal port. Guernsey has an elevation of about 110 m. Many small rocks, islands, reefs, and islets are present in the offshore waters of the island, which makes navigation a dangerous activity in this region.
How big is Jersey Island?
Covering a total area of 118.2 km 2, the island of Jersey is the largest, the most populous, and the southernmost of the Channel Islands. The island reaches a maximum elevation of 143 m above sea level. Jersey island is administratively divided into 12 parishes, which are further subdivided into Vingtaines.
Who owned the Channel Islands?
From the 10th to the 13th century, ownership of the strategically important archipelago swung back and forth between the Duchy of Normandy, England, and the Kings of France, with Henry III of England finally renouncing his claim to the Norman holdings in exchange for the Channel Islands in 1259.
When did the Channel Islands start?
Human settlement on the Channel Islands began some 25,000 years ago , well before the Neolithic floods which gave birth to the English Channel. The population is believed to have been large for the times, and sophisticated enough to leave remnants such as the La Hougue Bie burial mound and the mysterious Guernsey statue menhirs. During the Roman era, the islands were given Latin names and Gallo-Roman culture was adopted to some extent.
How did the independence of the Archipelago affect the culture of the island?
The independence of the archipelago has strongly influenced its culture , with each island’s traditions unique to its inhabitants and best expressed in its musical identity. Folk music, songs, dance, and the traditional costumes worn at festivals owe much to Normandy influence, and are still valued today. Visitors should remember that islanders do not consider themselves as British, and are very pro-Europe in general due to the islands’ history and location.
What was the culture of the islands during the Roman era?
During the Roman era, the islands were given Latin names and Gallo-Roman culture was adopted to some extent. Visits by Christian missionaries in the 6th century AD resulted in the adoption of the proffered faith and, by the 9th century, Vikings began to colonize the islands after their raids proved successful.
What is the culture of the Channel Islands?
The unique aspect of Channel Islands culture is its strong connection with Normandy, France, still seen in its dialects and its friendly peoples’ leanings towards Europe rather than the UK. The long settlement history of the islands is interwoven with its nearby French neighbors and gives a fascinating twist to a holiday here.
What are the people of Guernsey called?
Guernsey people are known as les anes (donkeys) and claim it’s a reference to their strong character, although natives of Jersey insist the nickname really describes their stubbornness. The inhabitants of Jersey are referred to as les crapauds (toads), as the amphibians only exist on their island. The people of Alderney are known as lapins (rabbits), for the island’s large rabbit population, and Sark’s flocks of crows resulted in the nickname of les corbins (crows) for inhabitants.
What is the name of the people who live on the Channel Islands?
The native populations of the Channel Islands were primarily Chumash. The word Michumash, from which the name Chumash is derived, means “makers of shell bead money” and is the term mainland Chumash used to refer to those inhabiting the islands. Traditionally the Chumash people lived in an area extending from San Luis Obispo to Malibu, ...
How long have humans been on the Channel Islands?
Native Inhabitants. Archeological evidence indicates that there has been a human presence in the northern Channel Islands for thousands of years. Human remains excavated by archeologist Phil Orr from Arlington Springs on Santa Rosa Island in 1959, recently yielded a radio-carbon date of over 13,000 years of age.
What is the name of the island in Santa Barbara?
The southernmost park island, Santa Barbara Island, was associated with the Tongva people, also called Gabrieleno, although the Chumash also visited the island. Like the Chumash, they navigated the ocean and traded with their neighbors on the northern islands and the coast. Lacking a steady supply of fresh water, no permanent settlements were ever established on Santa Barbara Island. Tongva/Gabrieleno people lived primarily on the Southern Channel Islands (Santa Barbara, San Nicolas, Santa Catalina and San Clemente islands) and the area in and around Los Angeles.
How many people did the Tomol hold?
A plank canoe constructed from redwood logs that floated down the coast and held together by yop, a glue-like substance made from pine pitch and asphaltum, and cords made of plant materials and animal sinews, the tomol ranged from eight to thirty feet in length and held three to ten people.
What were the effects of European colonists on the coast?
As European colonists began to settle along the coast, introducing new economic enterprises, exploiting the marine resources, and establishing Catholic missions, the native food sources were depleted, native economies were altered, and island populations declined even further.
How many villages were there in Santa Barbara?
Missionization. By the time European explorers arrived in the Santa Barbara Channel, there were some 21 villages on the three largest islands of San Miguel, Santa Rosa and Santa Cruz, with highly developed social hierarchies that featured an upper class of chiefs, shamans, boat builders, and artisans, a middle class of workers, fisherman, ...
Where did the Chumash live?
Traditionally the Chumash people lived in an area extending from San Luis Obispo to Malibu, including the four Northern Channel Islands. Today, with the exception of the Islands, Chumash people live in these territories and areas far beyond. Approximately 148 historic village sites have been identified, including 11 on Santa Cruz Island, ...
What were the early settlements on the Channel Islands?
The early settlement sites on the Channel Islands produced several milestones in archaeology including the earliest evidence for seafaring and island colonization in North America , the oldest shell middens in North America, and the earliest basketry from the Pacific Coast of North America.
Why is Channel Islands National Park important?
Archaeological resources at Channel Islands National Park represent an important aspect of the scientific and cultural significance of the park . National Park Service policy guides the park to protect scientifically significant resources by on-site protection and stabilization, or collection.
What is the NPS project on Santa Rosa Island?
The NPS is involved in a major rehabilitation project on the historic ranch house on Santa Rosa Island for a new use as visitor lodging. This rehabilitation project is being conducted in a manner that preserves the historical integrity of the building. It will include constructing a new foundation, increasing its structural stability, repairing important architectural elements, and making it accessible.
Why was the ranch rehabilitation project suspended?
Following this discovery, work on the ranch rehabilitation project was suspended to conduct an archaeological investigation. An NPS archaeological team, in consultation with the Chumash, is conducting careful test excavations in the vicinity of the ranch house to determine the nature, extent, and integrity of the deposits.
Is it illegal to collect archeological resources in the park?
Collecting, possessing, trafficking in, removing, destroying, injuring, defacing, or disturbing archeological resources is prohibited by federal law and agency regulations.
What are the stemmed points on the Channel Islands?
The stemmed points found on the Channel Islands range from tiny to large, probably indicating that they were used for hunting a variety of animals.
What features did the team focus on in the search for the early maritime peoples?
The team has focused their search on upland features such as springs, caves, and chert outcrops that would have drawn early maritime peoples into the interior.
Where did the evidence for a diversified sea-based economy come from?
Evidence for a diversified sea-based economy among North American inhabitants dating from 12,200 to 11,400 years ago is emerging from three sites on California’s Channel Islands. . Reporting in the March 4 issue of Science, a 15-member team led by University of Oregon and Smithsonian Institution scholars describes the discovery of scores ...
Where did the sea based economy originate?
Evidence for a diversified sea-based economy among North American inhabitants dating from 12,200 to 11,400 years ago is emerging from three sites on California’s Channel Islands. Reporting in the March 4 issue of Science, a 15-member team led by University of Oregon and Smithsonian Institution scholars describes the discovery of scores of stemmed projectile points and crescents dating to that time period. The artifacts are associated with the remains of shellfish, seals, geese, cormorants and fish. The team also found thousands of artifacts made from chert, a flint-like rock used to make projectile points and other stone tools.
Channel Islands Expeditions
Founded by people whose lives have been forever positively changed through adventures aboard the Truth and Vision. Over the past 40 years, these boats have provided access to all eight Channel Islands and the California coastline for adventurers, researchers, educators, and many others.
Our Founder Stories
We are divers, sea and river kayakers, sailors, cavers, surfers, hunters, farmers, scientists, backpackers, rafters, carpenters, parents, and overall explorers. Our philosophy is to take advantage of every moment we are given on this planet and to take care of our home so we can pass it to future generations better than we found it.
Captains
Derek has been a captain at the Channel Islands for 15 years and is excellent at find whales and dolphins for us to visit on our crossing!
Crew
Tim recently traded his farming tools for dock lines in his pursuit to be a boat captain. If you’re not careful, he’ll probably try and tell you pirate jokes… and you guessed it, it ends with ARR!
What province are the Channel Islands in?
The four Northern Channel Islands are part of the Transverse Ranges geologic province, and the four Southern Channel Islands are part of the Peninsular Ranges province.
When were the Channel Islands made?
Five of the islands ( San Miguel, Santa Rosa, Santa Cruz, Anacapa, and Santa Barbara) were made into the Channel Islands National Park in 1980. The Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary encompasses the waters six nautical miles (11 kilometers; 6.9 miles) off these islands.
What is the only island in the world with a civilian settlement?
Santa Catalina Island is the only one of the eight islands with a significant permanent civilian settlement—the resort city of Avalon, California, and the unincorporated town of Two Harbors. University of Southern California also houses its USC Wrigley Institute for Environmental Studies marine lab in Two Harbors.
How many marine protected areas are there in the Channel Islands?
The California Channel Islands Marine Sanctuary consists of thirteen Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) around the five islands of the Channel Islands National Park. Combined, these smaller thirteen zones are 124,676 acres in size. Eleven of the zones are no-take and harvest areas and the remaining two marine conservation areas allow limited take of lobster and pelagic fish. Although there is a no-take policy, tourists are allowed to visit and observe the beautiful biodiversity. With this, there are several restrictions that limit the type and weight of gear tourists are allowed to bring including transportation–only park/private boats or planes are permitted to enter, fuel transportation, etc. In order to enforce these restrictions and preserve the MPA, the Channel Island National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council is in charge of state waters including hiring employees and park workers. The federal waters remain under the control and protection of National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The California Channel Islands Marine Sanctuary has been moderately successful as shown in a ten year study done by the Partnership for Interdisciplinary Studies of Coastal Oceans (PISCO). From years 2003–2013, the MPA network implemented caused fish species to increase in biomass in terms of both size, numbers, and weight per area. This increase in fish population was seen both in the MPA and as spillover in the regions outside of these thirteen zones. Given the most recent General Management Plan, passed in April 2015, this MPA will continue to be monitored and protected for the next twenty to forty years in hopes of continuing its successful pattern of restoring biodiversity.
How deep are the Channel Islands?
While they are currently separated from mainland California by a 230 meters (750 feet) deep channel, at this point in history they were only 7.8 kilometers (4.8 miles) from the mainland compared to the modern 19 kilometers (12 miles), making prehistoric travel between them much easier.
What is the military use of the Channel Islands?
The U.S. military uses the islands as training grounds, weapons test sites, and as a strategic defensive location. The Channel Islands and the surrounding waters house a diverse ecosystem with many endemic species and subspecies. The islands harbor 150 unique species of plant.
How many tourists visit the Channel Islands?
The islands attract around 70,000 tourists a year, mostly during the summer. Visitors can travel to the islands via public boat or airplane transportation. Camping grounds are available on Anacapa, Santa Rosa, Santa Cruz, San Miguel, and Santa Barbara Islands in the Channel Islands National Park.
