Flower Garden BanksMake a splash in some of the healthiest coral reefs in the world.
The sanctuary is best known as a dive destination because of the beautiful coral reefs perched atop East and West Flower Garden Banks. However, these areas only account for a tiny fraction (2%) of the entire sanctuary. The majority of sanctuary habitats lie deeper beneath the waves in an area known as the mesophotic or "twilight" zone. Scuba and remotely operated vehicle technologies allow us to explore and learn about these areas.
Illustration: (primary artist) Kathryn Robertson; (secondary artist and art direction) Matt McIntosh/NOAA; (supporting artist) Melissa Cook.
