The National Marine Sanctuary Program identifies, designates and manages areas of the marine environment of special national significance due to their conservation, recreational, ecological, historical, research, educational, or aesthetic qualities. Access information and pictures of marine sanctuaries all over the U.S. and its territories. Discover ways to get involved with the sanctuary program, ... Full description.

In 2004, the U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy offered recommendations for a coordinated and comprehensive national ocean policy. Commission regional working groups included state governors, scientists and stakeholders. The Commission's final report, "An Ocean Blueprint for the 21st Century," contains 212 recommendations addressing all aspects of ocean and coastal policy. Report results are presented ... Full description.

This agency portal provides background information on habitats from streams and rivers, lakes, wetlands and estuaries to rocky coasts, sandy beaches, coral reefs and ocean environments, their importance, monitoring and assessment programs, regulations and protection. Also features databases and mapping links, publications, kids activities and teacher resources on water and aquatic environments, project ... Full description.

Government task force created in 1998 to research, monitor and conserve coral reefs. Site includes: background on coral reef habitats; reef ecology and environmental requirements; environmental requirements of reefs; reef functions and significance; natural and human threats to reefs. Also covered are: Task Force actions; policies and partnerships; and the National Action Plan for Coral Reef Conservation. ... Full description.

The LEO EnviroSci Inquiry Program offers a comparison of New Jersey and California coastlines. Images and captions describe shoreline types and processes, human uses and impacts for each site. Use for open-ended inquiries, guided inquiries, independent research or cooperative group learning. Full description.

EPA's teaching center offers diverse resources for all types of educators. Background on environmental topics from air pollution to aquatic ecosystems, water quality, waste and recycling, and conservation. Find lesson plans on these environmental topics from EPA and other sources. Teaching resources available include booklets, activity books, posters and more. Links to environmental education awards, ... Full description.

Peer-reviewed activities for grades 6-12 as well as non-traditional educational venues are available. Each activity has been correlated to National Science and Social Studies Educational Standards. Activities cover topics including sustainable fishing methods, bycatch, fishing technologies, aquaculture practices, and costs and benefits related to fisheries and aquaculture production. Activities link ... Full description.

Detailed information on the biology, natural history, factors influencing the population, and protection measures of green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas). Included are three in-class activities and one field activity all designed to raise awareness of the green sea turtle and what humans are doing to affect the population. The site is geared towards the Hawaiian sub-species, however, most of the facts ... Full description.

This portal, maintained by AAAS, provides links to all manner of marine science resources: galleries of photos and other media; directories; maps; educational tools; marine science programs and organizations; US and international ocean policies; publications. Also features calendars of scientific events and meetings, press releases on current marine scientific news, events and reports. Full description.

EPA's home page on coral reef protection activities, including The International Coral Reef Initiative, and The Coral Reef Symposium. A tremendous resource for educators interested in coral reef basics through advanced topics such as coral reef ecology and legislation. Site includes peer-reviewed journal articles, factsheets, maps, and video. The Links section is packed with extensive coral reef information ... Full description.