At the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, scientists are studying how water flowing through the Florida Everglades affects the health of coral reefs around the Keys. At the Flower Gardens National Marine Sanctuary in Texas, biologists are conducting the first studies of the area's sea turtles and learning how fish keep coral clean. On Jan. 25, the program concluded its 10th expedition, an initial exploration of the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whales Marine Sanctuary. There, DeepWorker allowed scientists to conduct sophisticated underwater studies of whale songs. The information will help researchers better understand what constitutes a healthy environment for the humpbacks and how the whales respond to various disturbances.
Educational activities are a major part of the expeditions.
Extensive photography and video archives of the sanctuaries are being compiled. Many are posted on Sustainable Seas' web site. As part of the organization's outreach effort, poets, writers, geologists, natural and cultural historians, archaeologists, volunteers, teachers, members of Congress and commercial fishermen, including Native Americans around the country, were invited to submit essays about the sanctuaries. To date, more than 100 articles have been received. A goal of Sustainable Seas is to call attention to marine sanctuaries in the United States, which aren't well-known or understood by the public.