#oceanstewards

[noaasanctuaries]

Corals are the foundation of the reef ecosystem that is vital to the marine life, economy, and culture of American Samoa.

These vibrant ecosystems provide habitat and prey for thousands of species. However, these corals face many threats. Rising water temperatures are the greatest climate threat to corals.

Learn more for Corals Week: https://sanctuaries.noaa.gov/media/docs/20200512-nmsas-climate-change-impacts-profile.pdf.

(Photo: NOAA. Image Description: On the reef around the island of Ta‘ū, American Samoa, a spotted guard crab defends its home and food source, a cauliflower coral, from predators.)

[noaasanctuaries]

Today for Corals Week we are focusing in on education!

We have developed a Deep Coral Communities Curriculum which takes students into the deep sea to identify the soft corals, hard corals, invertebrates and fish found in these communities and to investigate the unique biology of deep-sea corals.

Check out our page to learn more: https://sanctuaries.noaa.gov/education/teachers/deep-coral-communities/

(Photo: Greg McFall/NOAA. Image Description: Live bottom reef teaming with life at Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuary.)

[noaasanctuaries]

As part of our 50th anniversary campaign, we will launch a new resource collection each month through September 2022!

Check out our new Whales Resource Collection. Explore a collection of NOAA videos, lesson plans, posters, webinars, web stories, virtual reality, and more to gain a deeper understanding of whale species and NOAA's efforts within the sanctuary system to protect them and limit the threats they face.

In this new era of ocean conservation, we encourage formal and informal educators and other interested people to take advantage of the robust educational materials available in each topically-based collection.

Learn more here: https://sanctuaries.noaa.gov/education/teachers/whales/

Image: A life-size inflatable whale that visitors can enter to learn more about humpback whales can be found at some outreach events for NOAA's Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary. (NOAA)

[noaasanctuaries]

Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary protects the only barrier coral reef in the continental United States.

This fragile habitat is increasingly under threat from hurricanes, disease, boat groundings, rising ocean temperatures, pollution, human interactions, and more. In an effort to address these threats, the sanctuary has proposed Restoration Blueprint. This embodies what we have learned from nearly 30 years of cutting-edge science, technical experience, and local community involvement.

Learn more for Corals Week: https://floridakeys.noaa.gov/blueprint/.

(Photo: Nick Zachar/NOAA. Image description: A vibrant reef in Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary.)

[noaasanctuaries]

Looking to get involved with Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary?

You can volunteer, participate in citizen science through our annual ocean count, intern with us, or participate in a beach clean up! Check out the different ways to get involved and help support this incredible place. Visit: https://hawaiihumpbackwhale.noaa.gov/involved/. (Photo: Ed Lyman/NOAA under NOAA Permit 774-1714. Image description: A close up on a humpback whale.)

[noaasanctuaries]

Are you a life-long learner?

For students of all ages, Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary staff and associates offer a variety of free programs throughout the year, some in-person and others virtually. Training sessions prepare volunteers for citizen science programs and to assist sanctuary researchers. Learn more: https://stellwagen.noaa.gov/education/life-long-learners.html (Photo: Nick Zachar/NOAA. Image Description: Paul Palmer Shipwreck covered in marine life.)

[noaasanctuaries]

The ocean connects us all!

Humpback Whales, which feed in Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary from April through December, migrate each winter to the Caribbean Sea near the Dominican Republic to mate and calve. To celebrate the geographic connection, Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary partnered with Hispanic Access Foundation and Massachusetts-based Iglesia de Dios Pentecostal to bring community members in Lawrence, Massachusetts on a whale watching trip to see these behemoth beauties up close!

The fun-filled day during #LatinoConservationWeek was a whale of a time, bringing folks together and encouraging environmental stewardship. Read the full story here: https://sanctuaries.noaa.gov/magazine/5/ocean-cultura/. (Photo: Courtesy of Hispanic Access Foundation. Image description: A young person looking out over the water on a whale-watching boat.)

[noaasanctuaries]

Did you know Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuary is entirely offshore?

This underwater bank may be difficult to visit in person, but "investing" in its resources helps to protect some incredible ocean assets! You can learn more by checking out some great exhibits and visitor centers. Visit: https://cordellbank.noaa.gov/visit/afar.html! (Photo: Robert Lee/BAUE/NOAA. Image Description: Quillback rockfish, pink and orange coral, anemones and sponges.) #EarthIsBlue #Cordell #California #UnderwaterBank #Banks #SanctuaryBanks #Visit #VisitorCenter #Exhibits #Learning #Education #OceanStewards