They are beautiful, or priceless, or rare bargains, or long-term assets, or fun, or all of these and more. Each of us can have the pleasure of defining what that means. In 1972, as Americans became more aware of the intrinsic ecological and cultural value of our coastal waters, Congress passed the Marine Protection, Research and Sanctuaries Act. This law authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to designate our most cherished marine waters as national marine sanctuaries, in order to protect and manage their priceless resources. They include nearshore coral reefs and open oceans, rich banks and submarine canyons, intertidal areas, and sheltered bays.
Sanctuaries harbor a dazzling array of algae, plants, and animals.
They serve as natural classrooms for students of all ages and as living laboratories for scientists. Sanctuaries are cherished recreational spots for diving, wilderness hiking, and sport-fishing. They also support valuable commercial industries such as marine transportation, fishing, and kelp harvesting. The perpetual challenge of managing these areas is maintaining the critical balance between environmental protection and economic growth. Sanctuaries For All A sanctuary's true definition lies in the eyes of the beholder.