photo of a shark being measured and tagged

Tagging marine animals helps sanctuary scientists better understand their behavior, which in turn helps inform how sanctuaries strive to protect these animals. Here, researchers in Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument measure and tag a Galapagos shark at Pearl and Hermes Atoll so they can track it in the future. Photo: Greg McFall/NOAA

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Sanctuary Science

photo of white octopus
photo of rov approaching sea floor

Marine protected areas like Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument are hotbeds of biologic activity. Exploring deep waters with a remotely operated vehicle, the NOAA Office of Ocean Exploration and Research discovered a potential new species of octopod two and a half miles beneath the ocean surface. Unlike most described species of octopods, this one is equipped with only a single row of suckers down each arm, in contrast to the two rows most octopods have. Photos: NOAA Office of Ocean Exploration and Research, Hohonu Moana 2016

whale breaching right in front of a boat

The Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary whale tagging boat got a treat when a humpback whale breached near them. Photo: Ari Friedlaender/NOAA Fisheries permit #14245

photo of delta submarine

Marine technology like submersibles can help scientists survey deep ecosystems like those in Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuary. Photo: Kip Evans/NOAA

photo of rv manta boat on water

R/V Manta is used primarily as a research platform, conducting monitoring activities in the waters of the northwestern Gulf of Mexico. Photo: NOAA

divers and a wreck

Documenting history: divers from the Office of National Marine Sanctuaries and Eastern Carolina University photograph the German U-boat U-352 off the coast of Morehead City, North Carolina. Photo: NOAA