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.

These lesson plans in life sciences, physical science, chemistry and engineering link to projects of NOAA's Aquarius undersea research station. Topics include the: impacts of buoyancy, pressure and light on underwater research; effects of physical oceanography on coral reefs; effects of water temperature on the coral/zooxanthellae symbiosis; engineering of AUVs; fish survey techniques; chemical ecology; ... Full description.

Lesson plan defines dichotomous key and its role in classification. Students learn how to make a key and identify important organisms from a biofilm community in Chesapeake Bay. An interactive, online key with photos and species profiles challenges students to identify 8 invertebrates and an interactive quiz helps them test their understanding. Designed for use with the MD Sea Grant "Biofilms & ... Full description.

This website has a wealth of resources on North Carolina's estuaries including lesson plans, field guides, field trips opportunities, professional development opportunities and online water and weather data. Site also features EstuaryCam, a live shot of Beaufort Inlet. Downloadable video is available of lessons, events, and workshops. Full description.

Through linked programs of stewardship, education, and research, the NERRS enhances informed management and scientific understanding of the nation's estuarine and coastal habitats. Includes information on monitoring (water quality, weather, nutrients, etc.), restoration, invasive species, fellowships, and much more. With reserves all over coastal U.S., educators and scientists can access an abundance ... Full description.

This interactive lesson introduces students to issues of biodiversity in Chesapeake Bay. It features background information, as well as directions on how to conduct biofilm experiments using plexiglass discs or CDs to culture communities in your local body of water. The experiments demonstrate how water quality, depth, and biodiversity are linked. For students whose school is not near the original ... Full description.

Provides services and information for coral reef researchers and the public. Site FAQs cover technical background on coral reef biology, ecology, biodiversity, and coral diseases. Other resources: coral literature listings; classroom modules; coral cam on a Caribbean reef. Coral list serve allows discussion between researchers and others interested in coral reefs. Links to Coral Reef Early Warning ... Full description.

Overview of the horseshoe crab (Limulus polyphemus), a major Mid-Atlantic resource. Topics covered include: horseshoe crab biology and life cycle, breeding beaches and ecological importance of horseshoe crab eggs for migrating birds. Biomedical and other uses of horseshoe crabs are explained, and impacts of overharvesting on their populations are described. Current research, fishery management, volunteer ... Full description.

Describes the unique Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI) Ecosystem Reserve. Provides resources focused on NWHI coral reef ecosystems, and introductions to reef research, management and protection activities. Educational outreach includes: teacher workshops; student activities, and a Discovery Center in Hilo, Hawaii that features exhibits and activities for schools and the public. Full description.

A spectacular interactive resource for introducing students to invasive, nonindigenous species. Students act as Sea Grant Super Sleuths to hunt down ten invasives. Though the resource is geared toward the Great Lakes region, many of the Top 10 invasive suspects are found elsewhere in the country, including the Chesapeake Bay, New England, the southeast, the west coast, and the Mississippi River. Full description.