#citizensciencemonth

Volunteering is one way to explore our nation's underwater treasures while doing your part to ensure a healthy ocean and Great Lakes.

Whether once a week or once a year, meaningful opportunities abound for visitors and locals alike with all levels of knowledge and commitment to contribute to marine conservation and stewardship.

Gray’s Reef Ocean Discovery Greeter

"I'm a greeter at the Ocean Discovery Center, meaning I welcome visitors and introduce them to the Sanctuary and our programs. This is by far the coolest 'job' I've ever had -- not only has it given me a new appreciation for the interdependence of our local waters and daily life here in the city, but it's also inspiring to learn how personal changes can make a positive impact, and how to spot those effects as they happen in the wild." -Lee Martinez

Thank you for all the work you do, Lee! Find out how you can get involved at NOAA Gray's Reef National Marine Sanctuary by visiting

Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center Docent; Citizen-At-Large SAC Member

“I like to meet interesting people from all over the world. I like to talk about something that I am extremely passionate about, and I know that I am affecting change.” -Stephen Patten

Channel Islands Naturalist Corps and Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary Volunteer of the Year 2023

“As a Channel Islands Naturalist Corps volunteer, I provide informal interpretation for whale watching and community outreach. I also offer my professional services as a graphic designer to help produce sanctuary outreach materials such as the Sharks & Rays of Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary poster. I designed a naturalist corps learning center and currently serve as a mentor for new trainees. I love that I am able to combine my passion for the ocean and nature with my professional talents to make a difference in people’s lives and raise awareness for the health of our ocean.” -Terri Wright

Thank you for the work you do, Terri!

Urban runoff is one of the leading sources of pollution into coastal waters. Urban Watch citizen science volunteers collect water samples and conduct basic field analysis to detect pollutants.

Expert birders (or those interested in learning) help collect data on migratory seabirds in the Northeast as Stellwagen Bank Seabird Stewards.