TravelWorld International Magazine Fall 2022

Celebrating 50 Years of the
National Marine Sanctuaries Act
Story and Photos by Wendy Lee
56
mericans love their
national parks, and
for good reason.
Protecting over six
million acres of land,
the parks are places
of refuge, relaxation, and connection
to nature. It turns out there’s a similar
system for our oceans and lakes.
This fall marks the 50th anniversary
of the signing of the National
Marine Sanctuaries Act, an effort to
protect and conserve vital marine
environments in the United States.
Since the signing of the act in 1972
the list of sanctuaries has grown to
fifteen now protecting 620,000 square
miles of ocean and Great Lakes
waters.
Sanctuaries are created for a variety
of purposes from the protection of
a single Civil War shipwreck to the
conservation of ocean surrounding
coral reefs. Many are easily accessible
and open to regular recreation activities
like boating, fishing, and diving. Others
are remote and rarely see visitors.
A handful of sanctuaries offer visitors
centers to educate guests about the
area’s wildlife, habitat, research, and
recreational opportunities. Later this fall
Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary
will open the newest visitors center in
Savannah, Georgia, coinciding nicely
with the 50th anniversary.