Almost 50 years of the National Marine Sanctuary System

October 2020

Help us celebrate our 48th anniversary!

National marine sanctuaries are places of hope, inspiration, biodiversity, and resilience. But they are more than just ocean parks; they’re communities with diverse cultures, values, and ideas. By embracing and celebrating this diversity, we can ensure a bright future of our ocean and Great Lakes for current and future generations.

Whether you live on a coast or in a community far from the shore, we invite you to experience the power and beauty of America’s sanctuary system and form your own lasting memories. Take a trip back through our history and check out where we're headed in our Earth Is Blue video!