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2. Ocean
3. Sanctuaries

National Marine Sanctuaries NOAA's system of marine protected areas protect marine ecosystems around the world.


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          Sanctuaries in Focus
   National marine sanctuaries are special areas that protect important marine ecosystems around the nation. Some sanctuaries are breeding and feeding grounds for endangered whales, others contain thriving coral reefs or kelp forests, and many are home to historic shipwrecks and other archaeological treasures. NOAA's Office of National Marine Sanctuaries manages a national network of such places, encompassing more than 1,553,993 square kilometers (600,000 square miles) of U.S. ocean and Great Lakes waters. The goal of the sanctuary system is to protect important natural and cultural places, while still allowing people to enjoy and use the ocean.   Resources and Education  What is a Marine Protected Area?
 What is a Marine National Monument?
  How NOAA Creates a National Marine Sanctuary
 Resources for Teachers and Students
   Marine Life
 Science and Exploration
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 Get Involved Visit a Sanctuary
 Nominate a Sanctuary
  Guide to Diving in Our National Marine Sanctuaries
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   Earth is Blue
 Sanctuaries in Focus  View our special series on five select national marine sanctuaries within NOAA's vast system of marine protected areas. Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary
 Greater Farallones and Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuaries
  Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary
 Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary
   Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary


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