Established in the US House of Representatives in 2006, and re-launched in 2021, the National Marine Sanctuary Caucus is a bipartisan coalition of Members dedicated to increasing awareness of and strengthening commitment to America’s national marine sanctuaries. The Caucus brings Members together in a bipartisan way to see firsthand the value marine sanctuaries provide to communities, economies, and ecosystems and builds a coalition of champions for our marine sanctuaries and our communities that depend on them.  

National marine sanctuaries are of the People, by the People, and for the People. National marine sanctuaries have been created by Congress and Presidents of both political parties. Every President since the National Marine Sanctuary Act was signed into law has strengthened the National Marine Sanctuary System.  

Caucus members recognize the value of marine sanctuaries as models for marine conservation worldwide—promoting ocean health, honoring heritage, bolstering local economies and jobs, supporting public access to recreation, and advancing education and community-building.  By joining the Congressional National Marine Sanctuary Caucus, members of Congress will be part of a bipartisan effort to support coastal communities and local economies and ensure vital resources in our ocean and Great Lakes continue to serve future generations.