Northeast and Great Lakes Region
Lake Ontario (proposed) Mallows Bay-Potomac River Monitor Stellwagen Bank Thunder Bay Wisconsin-Lake Michigan (in designation)
2019 photo contest winners. Photos (left to right/ top to bottom): Tiffany Duong, Bruce Sudweeks, Olivia Williamson
Get into your sanctuary Photo Contest
In celebration of national Get Into Your Sanctuary activities, NOAA's Office of National Marine Sanctuaries is hosting a photo contest. From May 23 through September 7 (Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend), send us your best photos of the National Marine Sanctuary System and help us celebrate the beauty and importance of these special places.
Sanctuary News
Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument Celebrates 10 Years as a World Heritage Site
On July 30, 2010, Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument was inscribed as a mixed World Heritage site by United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). Because the monument represents one of the best examples of both the world’s cultural as well as natural heritage, it has the distinction of being named the only mixed World Heritage site within the United States. It is one of only 24 World Heritage sites in the U.S., and one of two in Hawai‘i, along with Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park.
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.
Join us on 
and submit your own photos.
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
Explore Sanctuaries Live
with real-time video and communication feeds
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.