 | Orca whales are one of 29 species of marine mammals in the sanctuary. |
Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary includes 3,188 square miles of marine waters off the
rugged Olympic Peninsula coastline. The sanctuary extends 25 to 50 miles seaward, covering much of
the continental shelf and several major submarine canyons. The sanctuary protects a productive
upwelling zone - home to marine mammals and seabirds. Along its shores are thriving kelp and
intertidal communities, teeming with fishes and other sea life. In the darkness of the seafloor,
scattered communities of deep sea coral and sponges form habitats for fish and other important
marine wildlife.
 | Brilliant Paragorgia corals and feather-like crinoids grace the seafloor. |
In addition to important ecological resources, the sanctuary has a rich cultural and historical
legacy. Over two hundred shipwrecks are documented here. In addition, the vibrant contemporary
communities of the Makah Tribe, Quileute Tribe, Hoh Tribe, and Quinault Nation have forged
inseparable ties to the ocean environment, maintaining traditions of the past while they navigate
the challenges of the present.
You'll learn about the Olympic Coast as a place - the qualities that make it extraordinary. Visit
The Living Sanctuary to learn about ocean processes, the underwater
landscape, marine wildlife, marine habitats and traditional cultures and maritime history. Throughout
the website you will also learn about our important work – conserving this incomparable place and
its resources for generations to come.
So, dive in, get to know us and explore Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary!
Looking for fun this summer? Join us July 31 through August 2 for a virtual Get Into Your Sanctuary weekend!
We are excited to announce that this year Get Into Your Sanctuary weekend is going virtual! Join us from July 31 to August 2 for a unique opportunity to experience all of NOAA's National Marine Sanctuary System from wherever you are. From taking an ocean safari to virtually diving through shipwrecks to learning how to cook sustainably from a professional chef, there will be something for everyone to enjoy!
Tune into our LIVE Get Into Your Sanctuary programming July 31 to August 2 by visiting our Facebook page!
Saturday, August 1, 2020
Cooking the Quintessential Seafood Chowder
2:00 PM PDT / 5:00 PM EDT
Join the winner of the Quintessential Olympic Peninsula Seafood Chowder Contest Ronald Wisner (aka Captain Ron), along with the Olympic Culinary Loop Director Steve Shively, as we dive in for a live cooking demonstration that you can follow along at home. This delectable recipe will make your mouth water and your stomach full, while celebrating the riches of Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary! Ronald Wisner is the Executive Chef at Ocean Crest Resort in Moclips, WA and will share his award-winning recipe, along with other secrets from his kitchen to yours.
Sunday, August 2, 2020
Gone Fishing! in Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary
2:00 PM PDT / 5:00 PM EDT
Join us as we fish for answers on how to catch the big one! Daniel Studt from NOAA Fisheries will provide some great tips to enjoy sustainable recreational fishing in Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary. Topics will include fish identification tricks, safe handling and release techniques, and of course some good ole fishing stories from the wild Olympic Coast!
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