Webinar Series
The National Marine Sanctuaries Webinar Series provides educators, students, and the interested public with educational and scientific expertise, resources and training to support ocean and climate literacy. This series generally targets formal and informal educators that are engaging students (elementary through college) in formal classroom settings, as well as members of the community in informal educational venues (e.g. after school programs, science centers, aquariums, etc.). However, the series is open to anyone interested in the topics listed below.
For distance learning programs about marine mammals and other protected species in the wild, please visit our Wildlife Viewing Guidelines and the NOAA Fisheries Office of Protected Resources' Marine Life Viewing Guidelines to ensure you are aware of the regulations.
Upcoming Webinars
How are Salish Sea Stars Faring in our Ocean's Menagerie?
March 24, 2026 at 2 pm Hawaii | 5 pm Pacific | 7 pm Central | 8 pm Eastern
Drew Harvell, Professor Emerita of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at Cornell University, Adjunct Faculty in the Oceans Department, Stanford University and former Science Envoy for Ocean Conservation and NOAA Aquanaut
Changing ocean conditions have fueled the decade-long epidemic of sea star wasting disease, causing endangerment of the sunflower star and massive changes to near-shore kelps from Mexico to Alaska. Dr. Drew Harvell and her team's recent work unveils the bacterium Vibrio pectenicida as a causative agent of sea star wasting disease and opens the way for recovery strategies for the endangered sunflower star. Twenty other species of west coast sea stars were also impacted by the wasting disease, including the abundant intertidal ochre star, and many of these stars show strong recovery. At the same time, we also appreciate the fabulous biodiversity still thriving on our shores. Our Salish Sea stars and nudibranchs are among the most abundant and diverse in the world. Join us to learn more about the superpowers of our spineless marine critters.
Teach the Hope: Environmental Education Inspiring Action
April 21, 2026 at 12 pm Hawaii | 3 pm Pacific | 5 pm Central | 6 pm Eastern
Patricia Newman, award-winning children's book author and environmentalist
Let's face it, today's environmental headlines are depressing. Join award-winning children's book author and environmentalist Patricia Newman to experience a new philosophy in environmental education: HOPE. Together with Claire Fackler, National Education Liaison for the NOAA Office of National Marine Sanctuaries, we'll emphasize gratitude for and connections to the natural world, including the ocean, and identify effective role models to emulate and actions that can be taken. Then we'll put your new-found knowledge to work with several activities that Patricia will demonstrate. Participants will leave with ready-to-use resources.