Our Blue Legacy
Fifty Years of Impact of the National Marine Sanctuary System

Executive Summary

The Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act was signed on October 23, 1972, creating one of the oldest and largest networks of underwater parks in the world. Today the National Marine Sanctuary System covers more than 620,000 square miles of protected ocean and Great Lakes waters in 15 national marine sanctuaries and two marine national monuments. On October 23, 2022, the sanctuary system celebrates its 50th anniversary and is using the opportunity to, among other things, issue this report summarizing its impacts and accomplishments as it looks forward to the next 50 years.

Findings

  1. The National Marine Sanctuary System offers a unique authority and proven performance in ocean conservation.
  2. The National Marine Sanctuary System has changed the way people and organizations think and behave about our ocean.
  3. The National Marine Sanctuary System catalyzes action across a diverse sector of interests and partners.
  4. The National Marine Sanctuary System has fostered projects, generated innovations, and made discoveries that benefit the conservation efforts of the U.S. and of the world.
  5. The National Marine Sanctuary System has benefited sanctuary gateway communities and the American people.
  6. The National Marine Sanctuary System has demonstrated and proved a new management model for protected areas and ocean governance in the United States.
  7. The National Marine Sanctuary System has changed the way the federal government views, manages, engages, and protects maritime and cultural heritage resources.
  8. The National Marine Sanctuary System is a world leader in marine protected area management.