national marine sanctuariesNational Marine Sanctuaries

The Office of National Marine Sanctuaries serves as the trustee for a network of underwater parks encompassing more than 629,000 square miles of marine and Great Lakes waters from Washington state to the Florida Keys, and from Lake Huron to American Samoa. The network includes a system of 17 national marine sanctuaries and Papahānaumokuākea and Rose Atoll marine national monuments.

national marine Sanctuary system map

Sanctuary News

Three students on a beach look at a clipboard the words NOAA ocean guardian Youth Ambassador imposed over top
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NOAA Youth Ambassadors Make Waves in 28 States

Over the last year, several passionate young people, driven by a shared commitment to ocean conservation and stewardship, came together to make a difference. These are the first-ever NOAA Ocean Guardian Youth Ambassadors. The youth ambassador program is a new endeavor under the Ocean Guardian umbrella that marks an increased level of engagement for youth in the United States and its territories.

A right whale's nare
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Smelly Gas Helps Researchers Track Right Whales

Map of the preferred boundary of proposed Papahānaumokuākea national marine sanctuary
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NOAA has released for public comment the draft designation documents for the proposed Papahānaumokuākea National Marine Sanctuary

Young divers engage in ocean conservation and stewardship activities while practicing their dive skills.
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NOAA Re-Launches the Ocean Guardian Dive Club

Historic image of steamers in the Manitowoc River in winter.
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New Study Opens Window to Cultural Past in Great Lakes Sanctuary

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Notes from the Field

Learn fun facts about scientific instruments and techniques, get updates on long-term monitoring projects, and meet some of our staff, partners, and volunteers who make it all happen!

The latest field notes

National Marine Sanctuary System Posters

ROV shinning it's light at the bottom of Davidson Seamount; A varity of sealife can be seen including deep-sea corals, sponges, deep-sea fishes, crustaceans, jellies, and an octopus gardens
Coastal mangroves and seagrass are nurseries for many species of fish, invertebrates and birds that inhabit Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. These calm, shallow waters are ideal for paddle sports, snorkeling, and fishing for species like tarpon. The offshore coral reef features elkhorn and brain corals, sponges, and other invertebrates which create habitat for spiny lobster, urchins, and many other species of reef fish like sergeant major and larger fish like sharks, rays, barracuda, and snapper.

During the National Marine Sanctuary System's 50th anniversary celebration in 2022, a commemorative poster series was launched to capture the beauty and diversity of each site in the system. The posters are two sided, featuring original artwork on the front and educational information on the back. Other posters created for the system over the years have also been added. Dive in and download your sanctuary posters today!

Explore from Anywhere

Immerse yourself in the ocean and your national marine sanctuaries without getting wet!

Explore Your Sanctuaries
Waves crash near a light house

Sanctuary Nomination Process

NOAA invites communities across the nation to nominate their most treasured places in our marine and Great Lakes waters for consideration as national marine sanctuaries.

nominate.noaa.gov
a surfer and bodyboarder standing on the beach looking at the water

Visit

National marine sanctuaries are ideal destinations for travelers who enjoy a diversity of recreational activities.

Plan your visit
a pair of kayakers with marine debris they collected on their kayak

Get Involved

Volunteers help to ensure marine sanctuaries remain America's underwater treasures for future generations.

How you can help