The dedication of Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary, in 1994, reflected a change in that perception of separateness. An important reason for creating the Sanctuary was the fact that the core of the Olympic Mountains and much of the Olympic coastline are within Olympic National Park. In addition, since 1906, islets and rocks along the Olympic coast have been part of the National Wildlife Refuge System. Adding the continental shelf area in Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary revealed a recognition that the land, the islands and the ocean must be protected together. Our planet, though comprised of seven parts ocean to three parts land, is a single system.
Water is a required ingredient for every living thing on Earth.
Understanding how these systems interrelate, how they are mutually dependent and how to enlarge our vision and our institutions that protect the whole is our greatest challenge. At Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary, our job is that next step. During the Sustainable Seas Expeditions, we carry that vision and responsibility to new landscapes-where the depths of the ocean and the banks of an ancient river are one and the same thing.