National marine sanctuary offices and visitor centers closed to the public; waters remain open
NOAA's national marine sanctuary offices and visitor centers are closed to the public while the waters remain open for responsible use in accordance with CDC guidance and local regulations. More information on the response from NOAA's Office of National Marine Sanctuaries can be found on sanctuaries.noaa.gov/coronavirus/.
2020 Get Into Your Sanctuary Photo Contest Results
Thank you to all the photographers who shared their view of national marine sanctuaries with us! Click each photograph to see the full version.
Sanctuary Views
See the beautiful scenery of the National Marine Sanctuary System through visitors' eyes.
1st Place: Jon Anderson. Sunbeams penetrate the canopy of a kelp forest in Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary as blue rockfish congregate beneath.2nd Place: Steve Zmak. The sun sets on another beautiful day at Limekiln State Park in Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary.3rd place: Dustin Harris. "Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary can change wildly from one day to the next. This photo embodies a sense of peace and calm alongside a sea arch that takes immense force to create."
From tiny krill to enormous gray whales, thousands of species call the National Marine Sanctuary System home! This category depicts the amazing marine life that you can find in your national marine sanctuaries.
1st Place: Jon Anderson. A yellowfin fringehead (Neoclinus stephensae) peeks out from behind a red-rust bryozoan (Watersipora subtorquata) in Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary.2nd Place: Douglas Croft. Risso’s dolphins (Grampus griseus) in a hurry in Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. This photo was taken 100 yards away from wildlife in compliance with all responsible wildlife viewing guidelines.3rd Place: Stan Schone. French Angelfish snacking on a sponge in Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary.
National marine sanctuaries provide an idyllic setting for a variety of recreational activities. This category celebrates the people who visit them.
1st Place: Bruce Sudweeks. Catching a wave in Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary.2nd Place: Christina Ford. An artist takes in the views of Lighthouse State Beach in Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary while oil painting.3rd Place: Bruce Sudweeks. A curious sand tiger shark (Carcharias taurus) investigates a diver near Monitor National Marine Sanctuary.
While it’s important to get outside, experience nature, and recreate responsibly, we know that many of us are spending more time at home this year. Show us how you’re staying in touch with your national marine sanctuary through art, stewardship activities from your home or neighborhood, and responsible water-based recreation in your local communities.
1st Place: Jill Brown. Sea turtles and tropical fish inspired by Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary make a big splash as delightful works of sidewalk art.2nd Place: Tiffany Duong. Bringing Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary indoors during the pandemic with paintings of spotted eagle rays (Aetobatus narinari).3rd Place: Kristine Ellefson. Adventure seekers recreate responsibly at Salt Creek Recreation Area in Port Angeles, located roughly 50 miles from Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary.
Please note that we may use any of the photos we received for this contest on our website, on social media, and in other NOAA and National Marine Sanctuary Foundation publications. We will provide credit to photographers whenever we use any of the photos. Organizations other than NOAA and the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation may use photographs submitted in this contest to promote sustainable and responsible recreation in the National Marine Sanctuary System. These photos are not for sale and are not for commercial use unless prior permission is arranged.
