"But I served in a company of heroes"

Don’t you just love a healthy coral reef? 

National Marine Sanctuary of American Samoa protects critical reef-building coral species, like these staghorn corals. Healthy coral reefs provide habitat for a wide variety of marine organisms, all the while protecting shorelines from large waves and storms. 

(Photo: David J. Ruck/NOAA) 

We 💙 our ocean and Great Lakes! 

National marine sanctuaries provide unique opportunities – like fishing, boating, and other outdoor adventures – to connect you to these special areas. You can be a steward of your marine environment while enjoying all the wonders that sanctuaries have to offer. 

(Photo: Aaron Carpenter)

Sea otters are what’s known as a keystone species: their foraging and feeding behaviors have a major effect on the health of their ecosystem. 

In Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary, sea otters often spend their time in kelp forests, where they feed on invertebrates like sea urchins. Without the sea otters, sea urchin populations can get out of control – and since sea urchins eat kelp, that can spell trouble for the kelp forest ecosystem.

Off the coast of Washington state, sea otters were hunted to local extinction by the early 1900s. But in 1969 and 1970, a few dozen were reintroduced.

Since then, the sea otter population on the outer coast of Washington has grown to approximately 1,600 animals! 

Researchers in Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary and NOAA Fisheries’ Northwest Fisheries Science Center are now working to assess how this adorable species’ recovery has affected the nearshore ecosystem. 

Check out our video to learn more about their research!

Thirty-three years ago today, a tiny national marine sanctuary was designated to protect Fagatele Bay in American Samoa. 

The bay harbors incredible biodiversity – in just a quarter of a square mile, you can find at least 271 species of fishes, 186 species of coral, and at least 1,400 species of algae and invertebrates. In 2012, the sanctuary expanded to become one of the largest: National Marine Sanctuary of American Samoa. Happy birthday to this ocean treasure! 

(Photo: The Ocean Agency/XL Catlin Seaview Survey) 

Breakfast?

(Photo: Douglas Croft) 

Week off to a rough start? Take a deep breath, relax, and picture yourself diving on this gorgeous reef in Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. 

(Photo: Greg McFall/NOAA) 

Today is the International Day of Forests – and did you know that the ocean has forests too? 

Towering kelp fronds like these form the basis for kelp forests throughout national marine sanctuaries on the West Coast. These forests are important habitats for marine life from juvenile fish to sea otters! 

What’s your favorite kelp forest dweller? 

(Photo: Brett Seymour/NPS; GIFs: NOAA) 

Nile, seen here tail breaching, is a fintastic fan favorite for whale watchers in Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary thanks to her curious and friendly personality. 

Born in 1987, Nile is one of several humpback whales that return regularly to the sanctuary to feed. She’s also been spotted in the past with her newborn calves! 

(Photo: Mackenzie Meier)