Valuing National Marine Sanctuaries
Sea to Shining Sea Newsletter - May 2017
Our national marine sanctuaries provide a source of economic value through fisheries, tourism and recreation all while protecting the productive habitat, cultural tradition, and beauty of our ocean ecosystems. In this issue, we bring you stories of how communities value national marine sanctuaries and their view of the benefits that the national marine sanctuary system preserves.
Sanctuary + community = a thriving ocean for our nation
Hawaiian green sea turtle in the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary. Credit: Claire Fackler/NOAA
Monuments & Sanctuaries: What’s the Difference?
Have you ever wondered what makes our thirteen national marine sanctuaries different from our two marine national monuments? The answer may surprise you!
Discover the difference here...
National marine sanctuaries preserve the stretches of coast and sea where we love to play. Credit: Muhammed Al Muhannadi/NOAA (Ocean for Life)
It Takes a Community
Find out what "gateway communities" have in common across America. Though they differ vastly in setting, size, and character, all of them share the distinction of serving as gateways to national marine sanctuaries.
Read on...
Christ of the Abyss, Key Largo Dry Docks Sanctuary Preservation Area, Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary is a popular destination for sea life, snorkelers, and scuba divers. Credit: Catlin Seaview Survey (The Ocean Agency)
Dive into your National Marine Sanctuaries Virtually!
Can’t get to a national marine sanctuary? Thanks to the wonders of 360-degree photography and virtual reality, now sanctuaries can come to you. Discover underwater treasures from your phone, tablet, or PC.
Dive in!
Using a remotely operated vehicle, scientists from Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary will explore the sanctuary's deep-water ecosystems. Credit: Charleston Lab
Exploring the Deep Coral Gardens of Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary
Deep-sea ecosystems provide critical nurseries for commercially-important species such as lobster, squid, and sea urchins. In April, a NOAA-led research team began an expedition to map out these unexplored regions.
Find out more...
Credit: Stories from the Blue/NOAA
Stories from the Blue
"Why do I care? Because we want clean water here and we want vibrant life." Bruce Popham runs the Marathon Boat Yard Marine Center and is a member of the Sanctuary Advisory Council for Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. Check out his "Stories from the Blue" here.
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The U.S. Capitol Building. Photo courtesy of the Architect of the Capitol
Capitol Hill Ocean Week
Join us June 13-15 for Capitol Hill Ocean Week 2017! Exciting topics at this year's valuable conference include Conservation from the Local to the National; Science, Technology, and Exploration; and Health and Social Impacts!
Register