June 2025
Since 2015, the Get Into Your Sanctuary Photo Contest has captured the awe-inspiring beauty of America's national marine sanctuaries—both above and below the surface. With hundreds of participants and thousands of breathtaking photos, the contest welcomes everyone from budding teen photographers to seasoned professionals, all united by a shared love for the ocean and the Great Lakes.
What began as a simple idea has evolved into a vibrant global showcase. Today, the contest not only connects people with America’s premier underwater places and neighboring national parks, but also gives photographers a powerful way to share their work with a broader, inspired audience.
2015: The Beginning
The story starts in 2015, when NOAA’s Office of National Marine Sanctuaries launched its first-ever Get Into Your Sanctuary summer campaign. Initially featuring just a few participants from Monterey Bay, Florida Keys, and Greater Farallones national marine sanctuaries, the contest was a modest experiment in public engagement. It quickly took off a few years later.
2016–2018: Growth and New Categories
As interest grew, so did the contest’s structure. We introduced three main categories to better capture the wide range of sanctuary experiences:
- Sanctuary Views (scenic landscapes and seascapes)
- Sanctuary Life (wildlife in action)
- Sanctuary Portraits (people enjoying national marine sanctuaries)
2016 Winners

2017 Winners

2018 Winners
2019: Celebrating Visitors
In 2019, we added the Sanctuary Recreation category, shining a spotlight on bountiful opportunities for kayaking, snorkeling, diving, fishing, and exploring these special places. That year also saw a surge in participation from newly designated national marine sanctuaries across the country.
2020–2021: Connecting at Home
During the COVID-19 pandemic, travel restrictions made sanctuary visits harder. But the contest didn’t stop—instead, it adapted. We introduced a new category, Sanctuaries at Home, inviting people to share their connection to a sanctuary through art, stewardship, and local recreation. It kept the community engaged, even when we couldn’t be together in the same places.
2020 Winners
2021 Winners
2022: A Record-Breaking Year
As we celebrated the 50th anniversary of the National Marine Sanctuary System, the photo contest reached new heights. Submissions skyrocketed (up more than 200%) as people from around the world joined in to “Save Spectacular.”

2023–2024: Going Global
Building on the momentum of Sanctuaries at Home, we expanded further. A new globally accessible category opened the contest to participants worldwide, allowing anyone, anywhere, to celebrate and support marine conservation through photography. This category recognizes that while not everyone may have a chance to visit a national marine sanctuary in person, there are still ways to enjoy America’s underwater parks virtually and from home, every day, no matter where you live.
2023 Winners

2024 Winners

2025: The Contest is Now Open!
This year’s Get Into Your Sanctuary Photo Contest is officially underway, and we can't wait to see your shots! Whether you’re an underwater explorer, a beach walker, or a backyard artist, there's a category for you. Need some inspiration or tips? Check out these expert photography tips from past contest winners, and explore the winning photos from each category in the 2024 and 2023 contests.
Before the Labor Day deadline, remember to submit your photo, share your story, and help inspire the next generation of ocean stewards.
Mollie Schulman is the national social media coordinator for NOAA’s Office of National Marine Sanctuaries and manages the Get Into Your Sanctuary Photo Contest
Rachel Plunkett is the content manager and senior writer/editor for NOAA’s Office of National Marine Sanctuaries