NOAA’s Office of National Marine Sanctuaries is inviting the public to “Get into Your Sanctuary,” as part of a national celebration of America’s underwater treasures.
The Office of National Marine Sanctuaries serves as the trustee for a network of underwater parks encompassing more than 170,000 square miles of marine and Great Lakes waters from the Hawaiian Islands to the Florida Keys and from Lake Huron to American Samoa. The network includes a system of 13 national marine sanctuaries and Papahānaumokuākea and Rose Atoll marine national monuments.
On June 25-26, national marine sanctuary sites across the system will host public events to raise awareness about national marine sanctuaries and educate visitors about how they can responsibly enjoy these special places.
“Few places on the planet can compete with the diversity of the National Marine Sanctuary System, which protects America’s most iconic natural and cultural marine resources,” said John Armor, acting director of the Office of National Marine Sanctuaries. “We invite those who already know about national marine sanctuaries and the next generation of sanctuary visitors, supporters and advocates to join us for what promises to be a very fun and informative weekend for all.”
Get into Your Sanctuary activities will include guided tours, gear demonstrations, scavenger hunts, a youth fishing tournament, beach surveys, island hikes and whale watch tours. Visitors are invited to share their experiences on social media with #ILoveMySanctuary and submit their best shots in the Get into Your Sanctuary photo contest.
When: June 24-26, 2016
Where: Sheboygan, WI
What: Explore the Maritime Heritage of the Proposed Wisconsin – Lake Michigan National Marine Sanctuary
Events: Grand opening of Science on the Sphere (Spaceport Sheboygan); Shipwreck presentation (Spaceport); Sailboat regatta; Geocaching Trail
For more information, visit Sheboygan tourism at: visitsheboygan.com
Other events: Visit Mequon, Port Washington, Manitowoc and Two Rivers (sanctuaries.noaa.gov/wisconsin)
For more information, photo contest rules, and a calendar of events, go to http://sanctuaries.noaa.gov/visit/giys.html.
NOAA’s mission is to understand and predict changes in the Earth's environment, from the depths of the ocean to the surface of the sun, and to conserve and manage our coastal and marine resources. Join us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and our other social media channels.