JOIN THE WAVE OF SANCTUARY CELEBRATIONS
#NationalMarineSanctuaryDay is on October 23rd!
Join the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation on October 23, 2025 for National Marine Sanctuary Day to promote the enjoyment of our public waters by all Americans and celebrate our shared marine heritage!
This year, we invite people to experience our national marine sanctuaries through recreation on the water like boating, diving, fishing, and paddling, and from shore through activities like hiking, tidepooling or exploring a visitor center, aquarium, or museum. We hope that connecting with our “waters for all” will increase awareness of marine sanctuaries and the impact of the Foundation’s work.
Celebrate Marine Sanctuaries by Taking Action
Get Involved
Be the voice for national marine sanctuaries and protecting America’s waters. Find out what actions you can take now.
Donate
Your support helps us sustain critical efforts throughout the year that benefit marine sanctuaries as well as the communities and species that depend on them.
About National Marine Sanctuary Day
National Marine Sanctuary Day is a national day of celebration of our connection to America’s public waters in our ocean and Great Lakes that hold our shared maritime heritage and majestic wildlife and habitats. Our marine sanctuaries drive sustainable economic development in coastal communities, and are hubs for developing innovative technologies. These waters are places for recreation, conservation, and cultural preservation.
Above all, they are waters for all.
National Marine Sanctuary Day recognizes stories inspired by our public waters, led by the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation. It is a day to uplift and listen to the voices of people brought together through our shared maritime and cultural history, exploration, technological innovation, recreation and tourism, commerce and local livelihoods. Our stories show that conservation, economic prosperity, and human well-being are deeply woven together in our national character as a maritime nation and propel us towards a brighter future.
Our waters bring us together. Our national marine sanctuaries tell our stories. Celebrate these stories with us on National Marine Sanctuary Day.