Get Involved
There are many ways to get involved with your national marine sanctuaries—from volunteering and participating in citizen science projects to applying for a sanctuary advisory council seat, exploring student opportunities, and pursuing careers. Explore the opportunities below, then visit the Stewardship Corner to meet some of the community members who help support and strengthen America's national marine sanctuaries
Explore Opportunities
Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteers participate in a wide variety of activities including beach cleanups, acting as visitor center docents and naturalists, assisting with education and outreach events, and participating in citizen science research projects.
Citizen Science
Citizen science volunteers work with scientists to identify research questions, collect and analyze data, interpret results, make new discoveries, develop technologies,and solve complex problems.
Current Public Comment Opportunities
We want to hear from you! Have a voice in the future of your national marine sanctuaries by sharing input during open public comment periods on plans, proposals, and regulations. View all active and past Federal Register notices pertaining to national marine sanctuaries.
National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Councils
National marine sanctuary advisory councils are community-based advisory groups established to provide advice and recommendations to the superintendents of national marine sanctuaries and marine national monuments across the system. Advisory council members provide input on issues including management, science, service, and stewardship.
Careers and Opportunities
Explore careers and internships at NOAA's Office of National Marine Sanctuaries, from full-time federal positions, to affiliate and contractor positions, to cooperative institutes, universities, and nonprofits that hire roles in support of the mission and goals of national marine sanctuaries.
The National Marine Sanctuary Foundation
As the official nonprofit partner of NOAA's Office of National Marine Sanctuaries, the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation works to connect Americans to their national marine sanctuaries and inspire them to support and invest in these public waters. Explore their programs, events, campaigns, and careers in support of America's iconic ocean and Great Lakes waters.
Stewardship Corner
The work of sanctuary stewards reflects a deep commitment to caring for the ocean and preserving the traditions, experiences, and resources that define America's maritime heritage. Meet some of the people whose passion and service inspire others to care for our shared blue planet.
Sanctuary Steward Spotlight
Meet our Steward Spotlight, Jaxine! Jaxine works with seabird data to help NOAA's Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary understand the local ecosystem. Hear what she has to say about how volunteering for the sanctuary has impacted her personally, and why others should experience it for themselves.
Young Stewards
NOAA Ocean Guardian programs encourage children to explore their natural surroundings to form a sense of personal connection to the ocean and/or watersheds in which they live by conducting conservation and stewardship projects through programs like Ocean Guardian Schools, Ocean Guardian Youth Ambassadors, and Ocean Guardian Dive Club.
Veteran Spotlights
Across the National Marine Sanctuary System, military veterans continue their legacy of service by supporting conservation, research, and community engagement. Many bring specialized training in diving, teamwork, and mission-driven operations—skills that strengthen stewardship efforts from shore to seafloor. These veteran partners demonstrate how service to the country can evolve into service to the ocean, helping to safeguard the natural and cultural resources that shape our national story.
FORCE BLUE Veterans Conduct Tour of Duty in Your National Marine Sanctuaries
With the mission of healing veterans and healing the ocean, FORCE BLUE redeploys Special Operations veterans and military-trained combat divers to work alongside scientists on conservation projects. When Special Operations veterans team up with NOAA's marine scientists, there's nothing we can't accomplish.
Veterans Across the National Marine Sanctuary System
They are the embodiment of sacrifice, service and duty—staff from NOAA's Office of National Marine Sanctuaries who once were members of the eight uniformed services of the U.S. government.
Sponsorships, Donations & Licensing
NOAA's Office of National Marine Sanctuaries is authorized to seek and work with outside partners to enhance its management, science, education, and stewardship missions through donations, sponsorships, and licensing.
