Outreach & Education
2014 National Marine Sanctuaries Annual Report

Traveling Exhibit Brings Sanctuary to Communities

In 2014, Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuary’s (CBNMS) traveling photography exhibit reached an estimated 10,000 people at four different locations in Marin and Sonoma counties. Due to Cordell Bank’s remote location, most people are unable see it in person. The sanctuary works to bring Cordell Bank to communities through a traveling photography exhibit highlighting the amazing biodiversity above and below the water. CBNMS also organized talks, lectures and student activities at each location, including a 25th anniversary celebration of the designation of Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuary.

Mokupāpapa Discovery Center Grand Re-Opening

In March, NOAA’s Mokupāpapa Discovery Center held its grand re-opening after nearly a year of refurbishing. The 20,000 square-foot facility, now housed in Hilo’s historic 100-year old Koehnen Building, is five times larger than the center’s previous space. The center features a new 3,500 gallon salt-water aquarium, interactive digital displays, a monk seal exhibit with life-size models and artwork inspired by the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands and Hawaiian culture. Since reopening, the center has received 30,805 visitors, nearly half of which were students.

GFNMS School Programs Engage 7,323 Students

GFNMS school programs inspire a greater appreciation of healthy ocean ecosystems by connecting the next generation of scientists, managers, and educators with an amazing diversity of ocean wildlife and habitats. Through experiential programs, the sanctuary engaged students across six counties in the San Francisco Bay Area. Students participated in several activities including outdoor field studies, squid dissections, plankton trawls, climate change experiments, ocean art activities and stewardship projects. All programs incorporated Next Generation Science Standards, Ocean Literacy Principles, and Science, Technology, Engineering and Math education.