National marine sanctuaries represent a diverse tapestry of marine ecosystems around the country. Each sanctuary is important in its own right, but as a system they make up the nation's only integrated collection of marine protected areas.

This report looks back on the Office of National Marine Sanctuaries' accomplishments over the past year. Each site has contributed to the achievements of the National Marine Sanctuary System, as have our many partners. National marine sanctuaries are places where nature and communities live and act in concert.