FORCE BLUE

NATIONAL MARINE SANCTUARIES

“TOUR OF DUTY” COMPLETED MISSIONS

In 1972, the U.S. ushered in a new era of ocean conservation by creating the National Marine Sanctuary System. Since then, that system has grown into a nationwide network of eighteen (18) national marine sanctuaries that conserve more than 620,000 square miles of spectacular ocean and Great Lakes waters. National marine sanctuaries support coastal communities and drive local economies by providing jobs and opportunities for people to discover, recreate, and form life-long connections with these spectacular places.