13 dramatic photos that capture the beauty of marine sanctuaries

a puffin, whale tail at sunset, and a sea turtle

The winners of the NOAA and National Marine Sanctuary Foundation’s ‘Get Into Your Sanctuary’ photo contest showcase stunning images of a humpback whale, breathtaking coastlines, and vibrant coral reef ecosystems. These photos highlight the beauty of the National Marine Sanctuary System, which covers over 629,000 square miles and includes 17 national marine sanctuaries along with Papahānaumokuākea and Rose Atoll marine national monuments.

Freediving into a school of akule in Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary.
Sanctuary Recreation, Second Place
Credit: Christian Crook

The photo contest recognized winners across five categories: Sanctuary Views, Sanctuary Life, Sanctuary Recreation, Sanctuaries at Home, and Sanctuaries Around the World.

rocks sticking up on a coastline. logs litter the shoreline
Sunset at Rialto Beach in Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary.
Sanctuary Views, Second Place
Credit: Elliot Gilfix
large cliffs

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