Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary, a wild ocean place near an urban world, sits east of Boston, Massachusetts between Cape Ann and Cape Cod. Historically important as a fishing ground, New England's only national marine sanctuary now reigns as a premier whale watching destination and continues to support commercial and recreational fishing. Its shipwrecks serve as time capsules of our nation's maritime history.
The Massachusetts Marine Educators and Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary have jointly sponsored an annual Marine Art/Poster Contest for several decades with the theme of "Exploring the Biodiversity of Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary."
Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary's 75th Advisory Council will meet virtually on Monday, January 26, 2026.
Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary is recruiting for 19 General and 2 Youth vacancies on its Advisory Council. Deadline for applications is Friday, January 20th 2026. More information can be found on our SAC recruitment page.
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Thinking of going on a whale watch? Visit our whale watching pages to prepare for your trip. Check WHALESENSE to find environmentally responsible companies. Learn about local whale research.
The sanctuary supports sustainable recreational fishing. Check regulations before heading out. Learn about local species, and find out about funding opportunities for education, outreach, and research projects that promote sustainable, ethical recreational fishing.
Immerse yourself in the ocean and your national marine sanctuaries without getting wet!
Safeguarding America's Premier Marine Places
From Washington state to the Gulf of America and from the Great Lakes to the Pacific Islands, the National Marine Sanctuary System protects 18 underwater parks spanning over 629,000 square miles of ocean and Great Lakes waters. By investing in innovative solutions, we strengthen these iconic places to address 21st-century challenges while supporting America's commerce and tourism. These unique locations inspire people to visit, value, and steward our nation's iconic ocean and Great Lakes waters.
