Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary stretches from San Francisco to Santa Barbara along the California coast. It is home to vast kelp forests and many organisms. Kelp is a key food and shelter source, while abiotic factors like sunlight, temperature, and currents influence the environment. Humans impact the area through overfishing, aquaculture, kelp harvesting, and waste disposal. Sea otter populations plummeted after hunting began but have since rebounded.