Looking Back and Moving Forward:
Victories for the Ocean, Wins for All

Sea to Shining Sea Newsletter - January 2018

Over the last 45 years, the National Marine Sanctuary System has worked collaboratively with diverse partners and stakeholders to promote conservation, recreation opportunities and stewardship to meet the needs of people and nature. We've grown from words on a page to a powerful force for marine conservation in our communities and across our nation.

father and daughter kayaking
A father and daughter enjoy a kayak trip in Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary in California. Credit: Claire Fackler/NOAA

45 Years of America's Underwater Parks

On October 23, 1972, Congress passed the Marine Protection, Research and Sanctuaries Act which, among other things, establishes the National Marine Sanctuary Program. Title III was later renamed the National Marine Sanctuaries Act.

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father and daughter carrying fishing gear on a pier
Anglers of all ages enjoy recreation opportunities in national marine sanctuaries. Credit: David Ruck/NOAA

Spotlight on 2017

As 2017 came to a close, we reflected on the past year across the National Marine Sanctuary System. Some of the highlights include developing partnerships, natural disaster response, habitat restoration, and new opportunities for tourism and recreation.

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Dr. Rebecca Holyoke
NOAA names Dr. Rebecca Holyoke as deputy director of Office of National Marine Sanctuaries; Matt Brookhart as acting regional director. Credit: Kate Thompson/NOAA

NOAA's New Deputy Director of Office of National Marine Sanctuaries, Dr. Rebecca Holyoke

NOAA's Office of National Marine Sanctuaries selected Rebecca Holyoke, Ph. D. as deputy director, replacing Matt Brookhart, who has been serving in that position in an acting capacity. Mr. Brookhart was selected as the acting regional director for the office's northeast and southeast regions.

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aerial image shows areas of high, medium, and low hurricane impact to the Florida Keys
This aerial image shows areas of high, medium, and low hurricane impact to the Florida Keys.

NOAA and Partners Assess Reef, Aid Recovery Following Hurricane Irma

Within days of Hurricane Irma crossing the Florida Keys on Sept. 10, 2017, NOAA managers and scientists, partner agencies and local organizations launched an unprecedented effort to rapidly assess sections of the reef tract and conduct coral rescue and stabilization.

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kids swimming underwater
National marine sanctuaries help ensure the future health of oceans for generations to come.

Earth is Blue Anniversary Video

In 2017, we celebrated our 45th anniversary! Take a trip back through our history and check out where we're headed.

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