National Marine Sanctuaries
National Marine Sanctuary Map (credit: NOAA)
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is known for weather monitoring satellites and making storm-warning forecasts. The science agency also manages and does research within a system of marine sanctuaries. They are part of efforts to sustain marine environments and their biodiversity.
The Office of National Marine Sanctuaries is the trustee for a network of reserves encompassing oceanic and Great Lakes waters from Washington to the Florida Keys and from Lake Huron to American Samoa. The national system includes 13 marine sanctuaries and 2 national monuments co-managed with other agencies. According to NOAA, across all US marine sanctuaries, nearly $8 billion is generated annually for coastal and marine dependent economies. Wide-ranging activities from commercial fishing, research, and recreation provide this economic support. Sustaining the marine ecosystems also help to sustain local economies.
A recent research expedition to American Samoa made several wildlife discoveries in the protected marine reserve, the only one in the southern hemisphere. NOAA's Office of Ocean Exploration and Research used a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) to investigate the biological diversity there. Within the Samoan coral sanctuary reef invertebrates, fishes, turtles, along with marine plants and mammals were seen. The sanctuary protects some of the oldest and largest corals in the world, some deep water reefs, hydrothermal vent communities, and other rare marine wildlife.
While most Americans live far from the South Pacific, the environmental research conducted by NOAA and other national science agencies provides the actual data used to maintain these ecosystems that benefit everyone. Their work should be celebrated, supported, and expanded as ocean acidification, plastic pollution, and climate change exact an increasing damaging toll. A video showcases the underwater diversity in Samoa, the most remote reserve in the marine system. WHB