National Marine Sanctuary Foundation

Happy from our national marine sanctuaries! 🌊

Today we take a moment to celebrate the waters that connect our nation’s coastlines to those of the global community.

In honor of , here are just some of the ways the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation helps protect and support America’s legacy in the global marine ecosystem:

🐳 With fewer than 400 North Atlantic Right Whales surviving today, their migration paths, nurseries, and hangout spots are crucial to their species’ survival. At NOAA Gray's Reef National Marine Sanctuary, the Foundation sponsors a system that alerts vessels in areas where Right Whales are commonly found to prevent collisions.

🪸 Experts in our marine sanctuaries support wildlife monitoring and habitat restoration — and many of their findings inform efforts around the globe. The Foundation works alongside many partners, including NOAA's Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary, to restore deep coral habitats injured by the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill and broaden our understanding of these important Gulf habitats.

🤿 These public waters are hubs of recreation, tourism, and education. Every year, millions of visitors from around the globe are drawn to the beauty and magic of America’s marine sanctuaries.

See more at marinesanctuary.org/foundation25

CHOW STARTS NOW! 🌊

Today's the day! begins this morning with our opening keynote from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation.

Tune in to hear from an incredible list of speakers including renowned explorers, scientists, Indigenous and community leaders, and industry innovators. Discussions will focus on America’s marine heritage, restoration and resilience, working waterfronts and seafood, ocean technology and the next era of exploration.

Capitol Hill Ocean Week is made possible by the generous support of our sponsors and partners. Thank you to this year's sponsors for supporting our mission and helping us keep CHOW fee-free and open to the public! CapitolHillOceanWeek.org

Here's a sneak peek of what you'll see at Capitol Hill Ocean Week!

begins June 2 with a two-day conference featuring keynote remarks and plenary session discussions from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) leadership, renowned explorers, scientists, Indigenous and community leaders, and industry innovators; brought together by the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation and our 2026 program partner, the National Maritime Historical Society.

Discussions will focus on America’s marine heritage, restoration and resilience, working waterfronts and seafood, ocean technology and the next era of exploration.

As we sail into the future, the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation honors the earliest stewards of our waters and charts the course for the next generation of wavemakers — including you!

We’re so proud to have hosted the nation’s premier gathering focused on ocean and Great Lakes policy for twenty-five years. And thanks to our generous sponsors, CHOW continues to be free and open to the public — all are welcome!

Check out the full agenda at CapitolHillOceanWeek.org!

The National Marine Sanctuary Foundation is delighted to wish Sir David Attenborough a happy 100th birthday!

To commemorate his birthday, dive into the depths of America’s national marine sanctuaries in this article published in The Flow Trip magazine's David Attenborough issue, written by Rachel Plunkett of NOAA Office of National Marine Sanctuaries! Read here: https://ow.ly/vsmA50YWO4x

We made a splash removing trash at the 4th annual I.CARE Trash Derby! 🤿

Participants removed more than 34,000 pounds of marine debris from NOAA Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary!

The National Marine Sanctuary Foundation was proud to sponsor this event in support of Florida Keys.

Learn more about how you can get involved with Goal: Clean Seas at https://marinesanctuary.org/goalcleanseas/

All removal work completed was in NOAA Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary and conducted under permits from the marine sanctuary and MyFWC Florida Fish and Wildlife.

Attention all veterans! Join FORCE BLUE, the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation, and NOAA Gray's Reef National Marine Sanctuary on May 1 for a day of fishing off the Georgia coast!

ATTENTION ALL VETERANS who are (or can be) in the Hilton Head, SC / Savannah, GA area May 1st...

As part of our upcoming Tour of Duty mission to NOAA Gray's Reef National Marine Sanctuary, FORCE BLUE and our partners at NOAA Fisheries Service and the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation would like to invite you to join us for a day of bottom fishing with Capt. Hook Fishing Charters out of Hilton Head.

We'll supply the rods & reels; you just bring your fishing prowess (and/or your ability to exaggerate)!

If you are interested, please reach out to Master Chief Gonzo ([email protected]). Spots are limited, so don't delay!