Get into Your Sanctuary

NOAA’s Office of National Marine Sanctuaries is inviting the public to “Get into Your Sanctuary,” as part of a national celebration of America’s underwater treasures.

The Office of National Marine Sanctuaries serves as the trustee for a network of underwater parks encompassing more than 620,000 square miles of marine and Great Lakes waters from the Hawaiian Islands to the Florida Keys and from Lake Huron to American Samoa. The network includes a system of 13 national marine sanctuaries and Papahānaumokuākea and Rose Atoll marine national monuments. 

On August 12, 2017, national marine sanctuary sites across the system will host public events to raise awareness about national marine sanctuaries and educate visitors about how they can responsibly enjoy these special places.

“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,” said John Armor, acting director of the Office of National Marine Sanctuaries. “We invite those who already know about national marine sanctuaries and the next generation of sanctuary visitors, supporters and advocates to join us for what promises to be a very fun and informative weekend for all.” 

Get into Your Sanctuary activities will include guided tours, marine debris clean-ups, film screenings, gear demonstrations, costume contests, beach surveys and tidepooling, island hikes and whale watch tours. Visitors are invited to share their experiences on social media with #ILoveMySanctuary and submit their best shots in the Get into Your Sanctuary photo contest.

Channel Islands Naturalist Corps will be on hand to explain the region’s diverse ecology and introduce you to marine life on whale watch tours and island hikes all weekend! Check out our participating vessels here. Join us to discover first-hand why these islands have been referred to as the “Galapagos of North America.”

Take the opportunity to explore another west coast sanctuary through a live ship-to-shore telecast with scientists and educators aboard the Exploration Vessel (E/V) Nautilus held at the Santa Barbara Public Library on Saturday, August 12th at 12 p.m. PDT.

The sanctuary will also be holding an island cleanup event with local tourism partners on August 11th to heighten awareness about responsible recreation and sustainable tourism opportunities in sanctuaries.

For more information, photo contest rules, and a calendar of events, go to http://sanctuaries.noaa.gov/visit/giys.html.

Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary was designated in 1980 to protect marine resources surrounding San Miguel, Santa Rosa, Santa Cruz, Anacapa and Santa Barbara islands. The sanctuary spans approximately 1,470 square miles, extending from island shorelines to six miles offshore, and encompasses a rich diversity of marine life, habitats and historical and cultural resources. 

NOAA’s mission is to understand and predict changes in the Earth’s environment, from the depths of the ocean to the surface of the sun, and to conserve and manage our coastal and marine resources. Join us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and our other social media channels.