What is a Marine Sanctuary?
In 1972, Congress passed the Marine Protection, Research and Sanctuaries Act, establishing a National Marine Sanctuary System for underwater areas deserving special protection. There are 13 Marine Sanctuaries in the United States, including Stellwagen Bank, and 1 Marine National Monument.
Sanctuaries are a safe haven for the natural and cultural treasures of our nation's waters, including endangered species and shipwrecks. On any given day, a diverse ecosystem like Stellwagen might serve as a laboratory, classroom, fishing ground and tourist site.