Seven Tips to Recreate Responsibly in Your National Marine Sanctuaries

Whether you're casting a line, plunging into the depths, coastal camping, or paddling across shallow water, careful planning is key to a successful and safe outing in a national marine sanctuary. Before embarking on your adventure, take the time to research your destination and familiarize yourself with local conditions. Consider factors such as weather forecasts, tide schedules, and equipment requirements to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for yourself and fellow visitors. If you’ll be doing any boating, it’s a good idea to have a nautical map of the area on hand. Check out the visit page on the website of the national marine sanctuary you’re headed to for some great tips and resources to plan your trip. Scuba divers and snorkelers should also be familiar with responsible diving practices before entering the water.

National marine sanctuaries sometimes have designated zones for specific activities, such as fishing, diving, and research. It's essential to know where these zones are located and what activities are permitted within each area. Familiarize yourself with local and state fishing regulations, including size and catch limits, to avoid inadvertently harming sensitive marine life or disrupting ongoing research efforts. Some sanctuaries offer mooring buoys for boaters to tie off to when visiting points of interest within sanctuary waters as an alternative to anchoring on the seafloor. It’s a good idea to know where sanctuary buoys are located before heading out on a nautical adventure.

The health of marine ecosystems relies on clean and pristine waters free from pollution and debris. Properly dispose of any waste generated during your visit, both on land and at sea. Use designated trash receptacles whenever possible, and if none are available, pack out your trash to dispose of properly on shore. Avoid littering or throwing any waste overboard, as marine debris can pose serious threats to wildlife and degrade the overall health of the sanctuary.

While it may be tempting to collect souvenirs such as corals, shells, rocks, or artifacts, it's important to leave natural and cultural treasures where you find them. Corals are protected under the Endangered Species Act, and even items such as rocks or shells should stay put. These items serve as crucial habitat for marine organisms and play a vital role in maintaining the balance of reef and seafloor ecosystems. Maritime heritage resources and artifacts are also protected within national marine sanctuaries. Instead of taking home physical mementos, capture memories of your experience through photographs and leave only footprints behind. Don’t forget to submit your favorite photos and memories to our annual Get Into Your Sanctuary photo contest!

Encounters with marine wildlife can be awe-inspiring, but it's essential to observe these creatures from a respectful distance. Avoid approaching or disturbing animals in their natural habitat, as this can cause stress and disruption to their behavior patterns. Some wildlife, such as marine mammals, have special protections that you should be aware of. For example, in Hawaii It is illegal to approach within 100 yards of a humpback whale. By keeping a safe distance and refraining from feeding or touching any wildlife you encounter, you can help ensure their well-being and preserve these areas as a sanctuary for all inhabitants. You can learn more by reading our Wildlife Viewing Guidelines and taking the Pledge for Wildlife.

National marine sanctuaries are shared spaces enjoyed by people with diverse interests and backgrounds. Whether you're diving, snorkeling, or simply soaking up the sun, be mindful of other visitors and their experiences. Give fellow recreators plenty of space and respect their activities, whether it be casting a line or exploring a reef. Keep voices and music at a respectful level to allow others an opportunity to listen to the sounds of nature. By practicing mutual respect and courtesy, we can all coexist harmoniously in these spectacular marine environments.

You can help leave national marine sanctuaries even better than you found them by participating in community science projects or signing up to volunteer for local events like marine debris cleanups while traveling. Community science, sometimes referred to as citizen science, is a term that describes projects in which volunteers partner with scientists to answer real-world questions. These volunteers can work with scientists to identify research questions, collect and analyze data, interpret results, make new discoveries, develop technologies and applications, as well as solve complex problems.

Check the News and Events page of the sanctuary you’re planning to visit to see if there are any opportunities to get involved while you’re there.