America'S Marine Sanctuaries: A Photographic Exploration

Description

An extraordinary illustrated history of the National Marine Sanctuary system and a guide to its fourteen protected underwater locations This book tells the story of fourteen underwater places so important they are under special protection, together forming the US National Marine Sanctuary System. These sanctuaries, spanning more than 620,000 square miles and ranging from the Florida Keys to the Great Lakes to the Hawaiian Islands, are critical, breathtaking marine habitats that provide homes to endangered and threatened species. They also preserve America's rich maritime heritage and act as living laboratories for science, research, education, and conservation and offer outdoor recreation experiences for all ages. The unique waters of the National Marine Sanctuary System are extensive and valuable refuges, and this book celebrates their importance, diversity, and beauty. Through 175 full-color photographs and lively narrative, American Seas showcases each of the marine sanctuaries and underscores how they have shaped the nation's development, survival, and identity. It also explores how marine conservation differs from, and is in some ways more challenging than, conservation on land. The book celebrates these underwater treasures, now protected and preserved, for all they can tell us about our communities, our country, and our world.

The NATIONAL MARINE SANCTUARY FOUNDATION works in partnership with the National Marine Sanctuary System and its individual sanctuaries and monuments to ensure a healthy and thriving future for the ocean and the Great Lakes.

BOOKLIST "It's easy to appreciate the importance and splendor of national parks, but precious underwater reserves are out of sight and therefore out of mind. This entrancing volume freshly introduces readers to the marvels of the oceans, from the great gyres that churn the waters to the many forms of marine life-coral reefs and kelp forests, sea turtles, fish, whales, sea birds-that dwell on and near the dappled surface and at every level down to the deepest, most mysterious depths. [...] Vivid and informative commentary accompanies gorgeous color photographs to fully illuminate vibrant ecosystems of evolutionary ingenuity and intricate interconnectivity, inspiring awe and a sense of stewardship." DEEPERBLUE.COM "Get inspired and learn something new between the beautiful pages of America's Marine Sanctuaries: A Photographic Exploration. Published by Smithsonian Books in partnership with the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation, this incredible full-color hardbound book takes you on a tour of the wonders of the USA's protected waters." SEVENSEAS MEDIA "The National Marine Sanctuary Foundation partnered with Smithsonian Books to release this coffee table-style book to bring the wonders of our national marine sanctuaries to your fingertips. America's Marine Sanctuaries takes you on an intimate and immersive journey to explore the rich history, iconic wildlife, and vibrant habitats that makes sanctuaries so special and worthy of protection."