Celebrate the Ocean
Sea to Shining Sea Newsletter - December 2018
Few places on the planet can compete with the diversity of the National Marine Sanctuary System, which protects America’s most iconic natural and cultural marine resources. The system works with diverse partners and stakeholders to promote responsible, sustainable ocean uses that ensure the health of our most valued ocean places. Resources are open to the public, and showcase opportunities such as education and research to anyone who has an interest in helping our ocean.
The National Marine Sanctuary Legacy of President George H.W. Bush
Along with the rest of the nation, we mourn the passing of our 41st president, George H.W. Bush. In addition to other parts of his legacy, President Bush enjoyed the distinction of having the most national marine sanctuaries (six) designated during any presidential administration.
National Marine Sanctuaries Honor U.S. Veterans with Vet Into Your Sanctuary
Every year, each site across the National Marine Sanctuary System holds Get Into Your Sanctuary events to encourage people to experience their national marine sanctuaries first-hand. This year, we honored the service of our nation's veterans by dedicating several Get Into Your Sanctuary events as "Vet Into Your Sanctuary."
Ocean Guardian School Program Helps Protect National Marine Sanctuary Resources
Through NOAA’s Ocean Guardian School program, K-12 schools implement stewardship projects focused on watersheds, the ocean, and special areas like national marine sanctuaries. Schools like Santa Cruz’s Gault Elementary School are making a difference by planting native species to restore the native coastal ecosystem.
Dark Water Journey
Eva Pagaling, a member of the Chumash Samala Indians and second-generation paddler took part in the annual Chumash community tomol crossing recently. She wrote about her journey traveling in the 6-person canoe and having to navigate in the dark on her passage through Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary to Limuw (Santa Cruz Island).
Gulper Eel Sighting
How did the gulper eel get its name? It's easy to see here! The crew of the Exploration Vessel Nautilus spotted this gulper eel just gulping around while exploring the deep waters of Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument.