West Coast Region
Channel Islands Chumash Heritage Cordell Bank Greater Farallones Monterey Bay Olympic CoastPacific Islands Region
American Samoa Hawaii Humpback Whale Pacific Remote Islands (in designation) Papahānaumokuākea
Sanctuary News
Kanu i ka ʻĀina (Planting the Seeds): Investing in the Next Generation of Indigenous Stewards and Scientists
Dr. Kanoe Morishige (PhD) shares her career journey as a Kānaka ʻŌiwi (Native Hawaiian) scientist and cultural specialist with NOAA over the last three years, and how Indigenous community partnerships helped students in University of Hawaiʻi and Papahānaumokuākea’s Kūʻula program overcome systemic barriers and build the next generation of Kānaka ʻŌiwi scientists and young leaders. Over 90% of Kūʻula alumni now work in natural resource management or pursue advanced degrees, actively integrating Indigenous Knowledge into research, policy, decision-making, and conservation practices.
Join us behind the scenes for a look at research taking place above and below the water.
National Marine Sanctuary System Posters
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!
Virtual Dives
Immerse yourself in the ocean and your national marine sanctuaries without getting wet!
Our planet is an ocean planet: Earth Is Blue. The National Marine Sanctuary System protects some of the most iconic underwater places throughout the United States, but we can't do it without you. No matter where you are, the ocean and Great Lakes are in your hands. We hope these images inspire you to help care for our ocean and to spread the word that Earth isn't green – it's blue.
Stories from the Blue
Stories from the Blue celebrate the people at the center of national marine sanctuaries and marine national monuments. What does the National Marine Sanctuary System mean to you?
Earth is Blue Magazine
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.
Visit
National marine sanctuaries are ideal destinations for travelers who enjoy a diversity of recreational activities.
Get Involved
Volunteers help to ensure marine sanctuaries remain America's underwater treasures for future generations.