Celebrate the Ocean

Sea to Shining Sea Newsletter - October 2018

Few places on the planet can compete with the diversity of the National Marine Sanctuary System, which protects America’s most iconic natural and cultural marine resources. The system works with diverse partners and stakeholders to promote responsible, sustainable ocean uses that ensure the health of our most valued ocean places. Resources are open to the public, and showcase opportunities such as education and research to anyone who has an interest in helping our ocean.

a team of scientists lowering a device into the water

Exploring the Unknown Beneath the Sea

NOAA's Office of National Marine Sanctuaries has teamed up with Ocean Exploration Trust to explore the marine ecosystems of the West Coast and Hawai‘i. Working aboard the Exploration Vessel (E/V) Nautilus, scientists are mapping and exploring areas throughout the U.S. West Coast from Canada to Southern California, and west to the Hawaiian Islands and Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument.

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4 gradutue students in front of NOAA's office

Recognizing Excellence in Tomorrow’s Leaders

TNOAA's Office of National Marine Sanctuaries has selected graduate students as recipients of the Dr. Nancy Foster Scholarship, which recognizes proud students. NOAA's ONMS also hosted several undergraduate Hollings and Educational Partnership Program (EEP) scholars at sites across the National Marine Sanctuary system to gain practical training experience through NOAA-related science, technology, policy and more.

The 2018 Hollings and EPP scholars

The 2018 Nancy Foster scholars


Students in California cleaning up waste

Students Take a Stand Against Marine Plastic Pollution by Adopting Zero Waste Practices

Recently, students from across the nation participated in the sixth annual Students for Zero Waste Week campaign to help fight marine debris. During each school’s “Zero Waste Week”, students adopted the "go green, think blue" slogan, driving home a message about how what we do on land can have an impact on the overall health of marine habitats.

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Peter DeCola in front of a Brick Wall

New Leadership at Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary

Peter Decola has been named the new superintendent of Stellwagen bank National Marine Sanctuary. Since retiring from the United States Coast Guard, DeCola has focused on maritime response operations and training.

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Man fishing in Florida

Stories From the Blue

Will Benson is a Florida Keys Flat Fishing Captain and active on the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuaries advisory council. Benson helped to establish the Blue Star Fishing Guide Program in the Florida Keys, which aims to reduce the impact of divers and anglers on the ecosystems of the Florida Keys.

About BlueStar

Video on Will Benson