Celebrate the Ocean

Sea to Shining Sea Newsletter - August 2020

Few places can compete with the diversity of the National Marine Sanctuary System, which protects America's most iconic natural and cultural marine resources. Throughout the system, we work with diverse partners and stakeholders to promote responsible and sustainable uses that ensure the health of our most valued ocean places. These ocean parks are open to the public, and we invite you to enjoy them and join us as we explore the depths of the ocean.


Portland ship painting
Photo credit: Photo: Maine Historical Society

Watch Live - Exploring Shipwrecks in Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary

Today through August 27, tune in live as Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution and Marine Imaging Technologies explore the life and shipwrecks of Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary. Research will focus on the wreck of the steamship Portland and a mystery coal schooner located within the sanctuary.

Click here for the schedule of live broadcasts from the shipwrecks and commentaries with the research team.


People kayaking
Photo: Claire Fackler

Discover National Marine Sanctuaries on the ParkPassport Mobile App

On the ParkPassport mobile app, you can now dive into the National Marine Sanctuary System. In collaboration with the National Park Trust, Blue Star Families, and the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation, NOAA is providing an easier way to explore the ocean and Great Lakes. Learn more about the app here.


A Shark
Photo by Mike Johnson

Get Into Your Sanctuary 2020 Photo Contest!

To celebrate the beauty of NOAA’s National Marine Sanctuary System, we are accepting submissions for the annual Get Into Your Sanctuary photo contest. Winning photos will be featured in the Earth is Blue Magazine, Get Into Your Sanctuary recreation magazine, and the Earth is Blue social media campaign. Click here to learn more about the photo contest. Click here to learn more about the photo contest.


Celebrating the 2020 Nancy Foster Scholars

NOAA’s Office of National Marine Sanctuaries has selected three graduate students as recipients of the Dr. Nancy Foster Scholarship, representing graduate-level areas of study such as marine biology, oceanography and maritime archaeology. The scholarship recognizes outstanding scholarship and encourages independent graduate level research, particularly by female and minority students.


Ship hunt crew on a ship
Photo: Project Shiphunt

Webinar - Using Film to Drive Social Change

n 2011, five high school students took on the adventure of a lifetime during Project Shiphunt. Join the webinar to learn more about this experience from one of the students, Tirrea Billings.


$226 Million Goes Toward Gulf Restoration

NOAA Fisheries announced a new five-year agreement with the Gulf States Marine Fisheries Commission and an initial award of $870,592 to help restore recreational fish species impacted by the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill under NOAA’s Damage Assessment, Remediation, and Restoration Program.

Learn more here.


Galapagos shark
Photo (from footage): Dr. Richard Pyle/Bishop Museum

Video - Galapagos Sharks

Galapagos sharks are a fairly common sight in the protected waters of Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument. Get to know these impressive creatures in our new Earth Is Blue video!