President Jimmy Carter’s National Marine Sanctuary Legacy

<!DOCTYPE html> <html lang="en"> <head> <meta charset="utf-8"> <meta http-equiv="X-UA-Compatible" content="IE=edge"> <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1"> <meta name="keywords" content="sea to shining sea award, youth engagement in marine conservation, excellence in interpretation and education, ocean and climate literacy, conservation, raising public awareness, national marine sanctuary, immersive educational experiences, get into your sanctuary, glass-bottom boat tour, alpena, thunder bay, public awareness, career paths in environmental science, sustainability education, field trips, history in lake michigan"> <meta name="description" content="Carter was a nature lover, an avid fisherman, and a conservationist. He doubled America’s protected land areas in Alaska and other states, created the U.S. Department of Energy, and memorably, placed solar panels on the White House. President Carter also devoted his time and attention to protecting our nation’s waterways and the ocean, which he called “nature’s gifts” and “underwater treasures.” Protecting our ocean was a high priority for President Carter."> <link rel="shortcut icon" href="/favicon.ico"> <title>President Jimmy Carter’s National Marine Sanctuary Legacy</title>  <meta content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" name="Content-Type"> <meta name="twitter:card" content="President Jimmy Carter’s National Marine Sanctuary Legacy"> <meta name="twitter:site" content="@sanctuaries"> <meta name="twitter:creator" content="@sanctuaries"> <meta name="twitter:image" content="http://sanctuaries.noaa.gov/media/img/20060330-carter-signing-conservation-act-1000.jpg"> <meta property="og:url" content="https://sanctuaries.noaa.gov/news/2025/president-jimmy-carter-legacy.html"> <meta property="og:type" content="article"> <meta property="og:title" content="President Jimmy Carter’s National Marine Sanctuary Legacy"> <meta property="og:description" content="Carter was a nature lover, an avid fisherman, and a conservationist. He doubled America’s protected land areas in Alaska and other states, created the U.S. Department of Energy, and memorably, placed solar panels on the White House. President Carter also devoted his time and attention to protecting our nation’s waterways and the ocean, which he called “nature’s gifts” and “underwater treasures.” Protecting our ocean was a high priority for President Carter."> <meta property="og:image" content="http://sanctuaries.noaa.gov/media/img/20060330-carter-signing-conservation-act-1000.jpg">  <link href="/css/bs3/bootstrap.min.css" rel="stylesheet"> <link href="/css/bs3/sanctuaries.css" rel="stylesheet"> <link rel="stylesheet" href="/css/bs3/rrssb.css" /> <script src="/js/modernizr-2.6.2-respond-1.1.0.min.js"></script>   <script async src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtag/js?id=G-TE75KFEQ31"></script> <script> window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments);} gtag('js', new Date()); gtag('config', 'G-TE75KFEQ31'); </script>  <script>(function(w,d,s,l,i){w[l]=w[l]||[];w[l].push({'gtm.start': new Date().getTime(),event:'gtm.js'});var f=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0], j=d.createElement(s),dl=l!='dataLayer'?'&l='+l:'';j.async=true;j.src= 'https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtm.js?id='+i+dl;f.parentNode.insertBefore(j,f); })(window,document,'script','dataLayer','GTM-5HWRFGK');</script>  <link rel="stylesheet" href="/css/vid-carousel.css" /> <link rel="stylesheet" href="/css/aos.css" /> <style> .parallax-header { height: 80vh; background-position: 50% 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat; background-attachment: fixed; -webkit-background-size: cover; -moz-background-size: cover; -o-background-size: cover; background-size: cover; position: relative; background-image: url("/media/img/202501-carter-and-daughter-on-beach-1920.jpg"); } .overlay { position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; background: rgba(0, 0, 0, .3); } .content { background: white; } section.parallax { height: 80vh; background-position: 50% 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat; background-attachment: fixed; -webkit-background-size: cover; -moz-background-size: cover; -o-background-size: cover; background-size: cover; display: flex; align-items: center; position: relative; } .parallax h1, .parallax h2, .parallax h3, .parallax h4 { color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.9); text-shadow: 0 0 10px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.6); font-size: 4rem; padding: 1rem; position: relative; z-index: 2; } .parallax .lead, .parallax p { z-index: 2; color: white; } .parallax .container { height: 100%; } .parallax .container .col-md-10 { position: relative; height: 100%; display: flex; flex-direction: column; justify-content: center; align-items: center; } .parallax .caption { color: white; position: absolute; z-index: 2; bottom: 0; left: 0; } .bg-vid { height: 70vh; background: rgba(0, 0, 0, .3); } .credit { position: absolute; bottom: 0; right: 0; } video#bgvid { position: fixed; top: 50%; left: 50%; min-width: 100%; min-height: 100%; width: auto; height: auto; z-index: -100; transform: translateX(-50%) translateY(-50%); background: url('/media/img/202501-carter-and-daughter-on-beach-1000.jpg') no-repeat; background-size: cover; transition: 1s opacity; } .stopfade { opacity: .5; } .bg-vid-box { position: relative; padding: 2rem; color: white; } .bg-vid-box button { display: block; width: 80%; padding: .4rem; border: none; margin: 1rem auto; font-size: 1.3rem; background: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.23); color: #fff; border-radius: 3px; cursor: pointer; transition: .3s background; } .bg-vid-box button:hover { background: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5); } @media screen and (max-width: 767px) { #bgvid { display: none; } .bg-vid-box { position: static; width: 100%; top: 0; left: 0; transform: none; height: 70vh; background: url('/media/img/202501-carter-and-daughter-on-beach-1000.jpg') no-repeat; } } @media screen and (min-width: 768px) { h1 { font-size: 3.4rem; } .bg-vid-box { width: 50%; top: 50%; left: 75%; transform: translateX(-50%) translateY(-50%); } .bg-vid-box p { font-size: 1.2em; } .parallax h2 { font-size: 7rem; } } @media screen and (min-width: 1200px) { h1 { font-size: 4rem; } .bg-vid-box p { font-size: 1.4em; } } .more-info { padding-top: 1em !important; } </style> </head> <body> <header class="navbar navbar-inverse" role="navigation"> <div class="container"> <div class="navbar-header"> <button type="button" class="navbar-toggle" data-toggle="collapse" data-target="#navigation"> <span class="sr-only">Toggle navigation</span> <span class="icon-bar"></span> <span class="icon-bar"></span> <span class="icon-bar"></span> </button> <button type="button" class="navbar-toggle" data-toggle="collapse" data-target="#search"> <span class="sr-only">Toggle search</span> <span class="glyphicon glyphicon-search" style="color:#fff; font-size:16px;"></span> </button> <div class="navbar-brand"> <a href="https://www.noaa.gov"><img src="/media/img/logos/noaa-logo.png" alt="National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration logo" class="logo-nav" style="padding:.2rem"></a> <a href="/"><img src="/media/img/logos/onms-logo-no-text-74.png" alt="national marine sanctuaries logo" class="logo-nav" style="padding:.2rem"></a> <a href="/">National Marine Sanctuaries</a></div> </div> <div class="collapse navbar-collapse navbar-right" id="search"> <form accept-charset="UTF-8" action="https://search.usa.gov/search" id="search_form" method="get"><div style="margin:0;padding:0;display:inline"><input name="utf8" type="hidden" value="✓" /></div> <input id="affiliate" name="affiliate" type="hidden" value="sanctuaries.noaa.gov" /> <input autocomplete="off" class="usagov-search-autocomplete" id="query" name="query" type="text" placeholder="Search" /> </form> <a class="skip" href="#maincontent">Skip to main content</a> </div> </div> <div class="nav-bg"> <div class="container"> <div id="navigation" class="navbar-collapse collapse"> <ul class="nav navbar-nav"> <li class="dropdown"> <a href="/visit/" class="dropdown-toggle" data-hover="dropdown" data-toggle="dropdown-menu" role="button" aria-haspopup="true" aria-expanded="false">Visit <span class="caret"></span></a> <ul class="dropdown-menu"> <li><a href="/visit/">Visit Us</a></li> <li><a href="/visit/visitor-centers.html">Visitor Centers & Exhibits</a></li> <li><a href="/visit/things-to-do.html">Things to Do</a></li> <li><a href="/visit/giys.html">Get into Your Sanctuary Day</a></li> <li><a href="/visit/ecosystems/">Ecosystems</a></li> <li><a href="/wildlife-viewing/">Wildlife Viewing</a></li> </ul> </li> <li class="dropdown"> <a href="/news/" class="dropdown-toggle" data-hover="dropdown" data-toggle="dropdown" role="button" aria-haspopup="true" aria-expanded="false">News <span class="caret"></span></a> <ul class="dropdown-menu"> <li><a href="/news/">Latest News</a></li> <li><a href="/notes/">Notes From the Field</a></li> <li><a href="/earthisblue.html">Earth Is Blue</a></li> <li><a href="/magazine/">Earth is Blue Magazine</a></li> <li><a href="/stories/">Stories from the Blue</a></li> <li><a href="/news/media/">For Media</a></li> <li><a href="/news/newsletter.html">Newsletter</a></li> <li><a href="/management/fr_notices.html">Federal Register Notices</a></li> <li><a href="/news/calendar/">Calendar</a></li> </ul> </li> <li class="dropdown"> <a href="/explore.html" class="dropdown-toggle" data-hover="dropdown" data-toggle="dropdown" role="button" aria-haspopup="true" aria-expanded="false">Explore <span class="caret"></span></a> <ul class="dropdown-menu"> <li><a href="/explore.html">Overview</a></li> <li><a href="/science/socioeconomic/">Socioeconomics</a></li> <li><a href="/science/">Science</a></li> <li><a href="/about/vessels/">Small Boat Program</a></li> <li><a href="/maritime/">Maritime Heritage</a></li> <li><a href="/marine-protected-areas/">MPAs</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.nominate.noaa.gov/">Nomination</a></li> </ul> </li> <li class="dropdown"> <a href="/learn.html" class="dropdown-toggle" data-hover="dropdown" data-toggle="dropdown" role="button" aria-haspopup="true" aria-expanded="false">Learn <span class="caret"></span></a> <ul class="dropdown-menu"> <li><a href="/learn.html">Overview</a></li> <li><a href="/education/">Education</a></li> <li><a href="/heritage/">Heritage</a></li> <li><a href="/about/history/">History</a></li> </ul> </li> <li><a href="/involved/">Get Involved</a></li> <li class="dropdown"> <a href="/gallery/" class="dropdown-toggle" data-hover="dropdown" data-toggle="dropdown" role="button" aria-haspopup="true" aria-expanded="false">Multimedia <span class="caret"></span></a> <ul class="dropdown-menu"> <li><a href="/gallery/">Photos & Videos</a></li> <li><a href="/earthisblue.html">Earth Is Blue</a></li> <li><a href="/stories/">Stories from the Blue</a></li> <li><a href="/vr/">Virtual Dives</a></li> <li><a href="/posters/">Posters</a></li> <li><a href="/about/maps.html">Maps</a></li> <li><a href="/live/">Sanctuaries Live</a></li> </ul> </li> <li class="dropdown"> <a href="/about/" class="dropdown-toggle" data-hover="dropdown" data-toggle="dropdown" role="button" aria-haspopup="true" aria-expanded="false">About <span class="caret"></span></a> <ul class="dropdown-menu"> <li><a href="/about/">Overview</a></li> <li><a href="/about/faqs/">FAQs</a></li> <li><a href="/management/">Policy & Planning</a></li> <li><a href="/about/regions.html">Regions</a></li> <li><a href="/library/">Publications</a></li> <li><a href="/jobs/">Work For Us</a></li> <li><a href="/about/indigenous-peoples.html">Indigenous Peoples</a></li> </ul> </li> <li><a href="/contact.html">Contact</a></li> <li><a href="/espanol/">Español</a></li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> <a id="return-to-top" class="back-to-top"><i class="glyphicon glyphicon-chevron-up"></i></a> </header> <main id="maincontent" role="main"> <article> <section class="parallax-header"> <div class="overlay"> <div class="bg-vid-box"> <h1>President Jimmy Carter’s National Marine Sanctuary Legacy</h1> <p><span class="#e5f3f6"><em>By Elizabeth Moore and Rachel Plunkett</em></span></p> </div> </div> </section> <section class="content white-bg" id="index"> <div class="container"> <div class="col-md-10 col-md-offset-1"> <ol class="breadcrumb"> <li><a href="/">Home</a></li> <li><a href="../">News</a></li> <li class="active">President Jimmy Carter’s National Marine Sanctuary Legacy</li> </ol> <p><em>January 2025</em></p> <p>We join the nation in mourning the passing of our 39th president, Jimmy Carter, on Dec. 29. As part of his extensive conservation legacy, President Carter was important in the growth and evolution in the early days of the National Marine Sanctuary System.</p> <figure class="pull-right" data-aos="fade-left"> <img src="/media/img/20200904-jimmy-carter-formal-portrait-400.jpg" alt="a photo of a man in a suit, President Jimmy Carter, sitting next to the American flag" class="img-responsive" loading="lazy"> <figcaption>President Carter in c. 1980. Image: Bernard Godfryd, courtesy of the Library of Congress.</figcaption> </figure> <h2>President Carter: A Conservationist at Heart</h2> Carter was a nature lover, an avid fisherman, and a conservationist. He doubled America’s protected land areas in Alaska and other states, created the U.S. Department of Energy, and memorably, placed solar panels on the White House. President Carter also devoted his time and attention to protecting our nation’s waterways and the ocean, which he called “nature’s gifts” and “underwater treasures.” Protecting our ocean was a high priority for President Carter. <h2>Protecting "Underwater Treasures": The Early Sanctuary System</h2> <p>Jimmy Carter was the first of many presidents to take a personal interest in the sanctuary program, highlighting it in his 1977 Environment Message to Congress: “Existing legislation allows the Secretary of Commerce to protect certain estuarine and ocean resources from the ill-effects of development by designating marine sanctuaries. Yet only two sanctuaries have been established since 1972, when the program began. I am, therefore, instructing the Secretary of Commerce to identify possible sanctuaries in areas where development appears imminent, and to begin collecting the data necessary to designate them as such under the law.”</p> <h2>Four New Sanctuaries in Historic Designations</h2> During the last week of his administration, even as he was at the height of tense negotiations to secure the release of the American hostages in Iran, President Carter took time to designate four national marine sanctuaries, the second most of any president after <a href="/news/dec18/national-marine-sanctuary-legacy-president-george-hw-bush.html">President George H.W. Bush</a>, who approved the creation of six new national marine sanctuaries. <p>The first was Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary in 1980. In his signing remarks, President Carter expressed his appreciation for the important resources of the region: “The area clearly deserves marine sanctuary status. The islands and surrounding waters are an exceptionally productive ecosystem. They provide feeding and breeding grounds for one of the largest and most varied assemblages of seals and sea lions in the world. They are one of the richest areas in the United States for marine birds, including the endangered brown pelican. The area has become particularly important as the pressures of human development have driven these species from one refuge after another on the mainland. It will complement the Channel Islands National Park that I recently approved.”</p> <p>The last three designations occurred in the waning days of his administration when, <a href="https://graysreef.noaa.gov/about/sanctuary/history/jane-yarn.html">at the urging of noted conservationist Jane Yarn</a> who was serving on the Council of Environmental Quality, he approved Looe Key (now part of Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary), Point Reyes-Farallon Islands (now Greater Farallones and Cordell Bank), and Gray’s Reef national marine sanctuaries.</p> <figure class="pull-right" data-aos="fade-left"> <img src="/media/img/202501-jane-yarn-with-president-carter-400.jpg" alt="black and white photo of a woman and a man sitting in chairs facing each other and having a conversation" class="img-responsive" loading="lazy"> <figcaption>Jane Yarn of the Council for Environmental Quality met with President Jimmy Carter in c.1979. Image courtesy of the Carter library and Cosmos Mariner Productions.</figcaption> </figure> <p>In signing the approvals, he remarked: “Today I have approved three proposals by the Department of Commerce to designate unique ocean areas as National Marine Sanctuaries. The three sites represent a diversity of marine ecosystems. They are: Gray's Reef, off the coast of Georgia; Looe Key, a submerged coral reef off the lower Florida Keys; and Point Reyes-Farallon Islands off the California coast…My administration has worked closely with local and State governments and concerned citizens on the selection of marine sanctuaries. The designations I have approved today reflect the views of these groups. These established marine sanctuaries represent a solid foundation for our Nation's efforts to protect and manage unique marine resources. I am pleased that my administration has provided the stimulus and momentum necessary to build this program.”</p> <h2>Celebrating Gray's Reef: A Home State Sanctuary</h2> <p>Among the sanctuaries that Carter championed, <a href="https://graysreef.noaa.gov/">Gray’s Reef</a> holds special significance, not only as a vibrant marine ecosystem but also as a protected treasure in President Carter’s home state of Georgia—further exemplifying his personal connection to the places he sought to preserve.</p> <p>On the 40th anniversary of the designation of Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary, <a href="/media/docs/20201111-letter-from-jimmy-carter-noaa.pdf">President Carter wrote a letter to John Armor</a>, the director of NOAA’s Office of National Marine Sanctuaries, wishing the sanctuary and its staff continued success, and noting that “Effective management will allow future generations of Americans to enjoy immense benefits of healthy, sustainable oceans and Great Lakes.”</p> <p>Stan Rogers, superintendent of Gray's Reef National Marine Sanctuary extends his gratitude to the late president, stating that “The sanctuary is a catalyst for scientific research and monitoring, education, and conservation of these vibrant ecological communities with over 1,000 documented species, including the critically endangered North Atlantic right whale. It has been over 40 years since designation of Gray's Reef National Marine Sanctuary and we are proud to carry on the legacy of President Carter by continuing to promote a greater understanding of our marine ecosystems and our human connections to the ocean and environment not only within these special waters off the coast of President Carter's home state of Georgia, but across the South Atlantic Bight from Cape Hatteras to Cape Canaveral."</p> <h2>Legislative Legacy: Strengthening Marine Protections</h2> <p>In addition to the four sanctuary designations, the first substantive reauthorization of the law that created the National Marine Sanctuary Program in 1972 was completed during the Carter Administration. Among other changes, the amendments to the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act created an authority for Congress to object to a designation, required the Coast Guard and other authorities to enforce sanctuary regulations, and mandated that the terms of designation of a new sanctuary include the geographic boundaries of the site and the activities that would be subject to regulation to protect the site’s resources.</p> <figure data-aos="fade-down"> <img src="/media/img/20060330-carter-signing-conservation-act-1000.jpg" alt="President Carter holds up signed documents while smiling and as many spectators in the room smile and applaud" class="img-responsive" loading="lazy"> <figcaption>President Carter after signing the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act, one of the largest land conservation measures in the nation’s history, into law. Image: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, courtesy of the National Archives.</figcaption> </figure> <p>His enduring conservation legacy protects some of the most important lands and waters, naturally, culturally, or historically, of the nation. In addition to four national marine sanctuaries designated during his administration, an additional 23 parks and monuments and 25 wild and scenic rivers were also created, many as part of the massive Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act of 1980.</p> <p>Michelle Riley led communications and public outreach for Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary for seven years, and before that, she was a communications officer at The Carter Center from 1992–2000, after President Carter had returned to his civilian life. Reflecting on the hundreds of interviews she sat in with the former president, Riley recalls that “Reporters often asked him to list his greatest achievements as President of the United States, and his response included protecting the environment as one of his most important and gratifying achievements.” Riley adds that during his time at The Carter Center, “President Carter worked with Nobel Peace Prize laureate Dr. Norman Borlaug to teach farmers in Africa how to productively plant and grow their crops, to reduce soil depletion and increase harvests.”</p> <h2>A Lifelong Connection to the Ocean</h2> <p>President Carter was, like many Americans, an avid angler. He fished all over the nation during his presidency, including at Sapelo Island National Estuarine Research Reserve, inland of Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary. He also, like many Americans, believed in the wise stewardship of our lands and waters. In his post-presidency, he was an avid fly fisherman and enjoyed making his own fly fishing lures in his workshop in Plains, Georgia.</p> <div class="row"> <div class="col-md-6"> <figure data-aos="fade-down"> <img src="/media/img/202501-carter-fishing-tetons-600.jpg" alt="three people in a canoe on calm lake waters surrounded by mountains" class="img-responsive" loading="lazy"> <figcaption>President and Mrs. Carter went fishing in the Grand Tetons in 1978. Image: White House Photographer, courtesy of the National Archives.</figcaption> </figure> </div> <div class="col-md-6"> <figure data-aos="fade-up"> <img src="/media/img/202501-carter-and-daughter-boat cropped-400.jpg" alt="a father and daughter stand on the bow of a boat" class="img-responsive" loading="lazy"> <figcaption>President Carter and his daughter Amy head out on a fishing trip off St. Simons Island, Georgia, c. 1977. Image: Jack E. Kightlinger, courtesy of the National Archives.</figcaption> </figure> </div> </div> <h2>A Vision for Generations to Come</h2> <p>Not only did President Carter leave Americans a lasting legacy of protected lands and waters, but his vision ensures that children for generations to come will experience the wonder of casting a line in pristine waters or marveling at the vibrant marine life he fought to protect. His dedication to the causes he championed continues to inspire new generations of conservationists today, and will for generations to come.</p> <figure data-aos="fade-down"> <img src="/media/img/202501-carter-and-daughter-on-beach-1000.jpg" alt="a father and daughter walk side by side into the waves of the sea" class="img-responsive" loading="lazy"> <figcaption>President Carter and his daughter Amy dash into the surf on St. Simon’s Island, Georgia, c.1977. Image: Bernard Gotfryd, courtesy of the Library of Congress.</figcaption> </figure> <p>We remember President Carter with deep gratitude. His vision and leadership have left an indelible mark on the landscapes and seascapes we cherish today. Thanks to President Carter’s enduring legacy, we can continue to enjoy America’s treasured national marine sanctuaries: we can cast a line into the vibrant waters of <a href="https://graysreef.noaa.gov/">Gray’s Reef</a>, surf the waves in <a href="https://farallones.noaa.gov/">Greater Farallones</a>, snorkel among coral reefs and seagrasses in the <a href="https://floridakeys.noaa.gov/welcome.html">Florida Keys</a>, and paddle among the pristine seascapes of the <a href="https://channelislands.noaa.gov/welcome.html">Channel Islands</a>.</p> <p>President Carter’s enduring legacy challenges us to continue this vital work—preserving our nation’s natural wonders not just for ourselves, but for all those who come after us. May his example inspire us to be better stewards of the ocean, the Earth, and the profound beauty they hold.</p> <p>In honoring his legacy, we honor the timeless connection between humanity and the natural world—a connection President Carter dedicated his life to protecting.</p> <h3>More Information</h3> <p><a href="https://sanctuaries.noaa.gov/50/presidents-and-parks.html">Presidents and Parks: The Untold Story of the Ocean Legacy of the Nation’s Leaders</a><br> <a href="/media/docs/20201111-letter-from-jimmy-carter-noaa.pdf">President Jimmy Carter Letter to NOAA Sanctuaries Director John Armor</a><br> <a href="https://graysreef.noaa.gov/about/sanctuary/history/jane-yarn.html">President Jimmy Carter and Jane Yarn - Grays Reef National Marine Sanctuary</a> </p> <p><em>Elizabeth Moore is a former policy analyst for NOAA’s Office of National Marine Sanctuaries<br> Rachel Plunkett is the content manager and senior writer/editor at NOAA’s Office of National Marine Sanctuaries</em></p> </div> </div> </section> </article> </main> <link rel="stylesheet" href="/css/bs3/fontawesome.min.css"> <style> svg:not(:host).svg-inline--fa:hover, svg:not(:root).svg-inline--fa:hover { background-color: #e5f3f6; color: #00467f; padding: 0 .24rem; border-radius: 10%; padding: 1rem; } svg:not(:host).svg-inline--fa, svg:not(:root).svg-inline--fa { font-size: 3em; background-color: #333; color: #e5f3f6; padding: 1rem; } </style> <footer> <div class="container"> <div class="col-md-12 text-center"> <ul> <li><a href="/">Home</a></li> <li><a href="/visit/">Visit</a></li> <li><a href="/news/">News</a></li> <li><a href="/explore.html">Explore</a></li> <li><a href="/learn.html">Learn</a></li> <li><a href="/involved/">Get Involved</a></li> <li><a href="/gallery/">Photos & Videos</a></li> <li><a href="/about/">About</a></li> <li><a href="/contact.html">Contact</a></li> <li><a href="/about/work-with-us.html">Jobs</a></li> </ul> <hr class="soften"> <ul> <li><a aria-label="Facebook" href="https://www.facebook.com/NOAAOfficeofNationalMarineSanctuaries?fref=ts"><i class="fa-brands fa-square-facebook"></i></a></li> <li><a aria-label="X" href="https://twitter.com/sanctuaries"><i class="fa-brands fa-square-x-twitter"></i></a></li> <li><a aria-label="Instagram" href="https://instagram.com/noaasanctuaries/"><i class="fa-brands fa-square-instagram"></i></a></li> <li><a aria-label="YouTube" href="https://www.youtube.com/user/sanctuaries"><i class="fa-brands fa-youtube"></i></a></li> <li><a aria-label="Tumblr" href="https://noaasanctuaries.tumblr.com/"><i class="fa-brands fa-square-tumblr"></i></a></li> <li><a aria-label="Linkedin" href="https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/sanctuaries/"><i class="fa-brands fa-linkedin"></i></a></li> </ul> <hr class="soften"> <ul> <li><a href="/accessibility-statement.html">Accessibility</a></li> <li><a href="/disclaimer.html">Disclaimer</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.noaa.gov/foia-freedom-of-information-act">Freedom of Information Act</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.cio.noaa.gov/services_programs/info_quality.html">Information Quality</a></li> <li><a href="/about/privacy.html">Privacy Policy</a></li> <li><a href="https://touchpoints.app.cloud.gov/touchpoints/52c1020a/submit">User Survey</a></li> </ul> <p>Website owner: <a href="https://oceanservice.noaa.gov">National Ocean Service</a> | <a href="http://www.noaa.gov">NOAA</a> | <a href="https://www.commerce.gov">Department of Commerce</a></p> </div> </div> </footer> <script src="/js/scripts.js"></script> <script src="/js/rrssb.js"></script> <script src="/js/exit.js"></script> <script src="/js/all.min.js"></script>  <script async type="text/javascript" src="https://dap.digitalgov.gov/Universal-Federated-Analytics-Min.js?agency=DOC&subagency=NOAA&pua=UA-41067187-1" id="_fed_an_ua_tag"></script>  <noscript><iframe src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/ns.html?id=GTM-5HWRFGK" height="0" width="0" style="display:none;visibility:hidden"></iframe></noscript>  <script src="https://touchpoints.app.cloud.gov/touchpoints/52c1020a.js" async></script> <script src="/js/aos.js" type="text/javascript"></script> <script> AOS.init({ easing: 'ease-in-out', duration: 800, delay: 80, once: true, disable: 'mobile' }); $(document).ready(function () { // Add smooth scrolling to all links $("a").on('click', function (event) { // Make sure this.hash has a value before overriding default behavior if (this.hash !== "") { // Prevent default anchor click behavior event.preventDefault(); // Store hash var hash = this.hash; // Using jQuery's animate() method to add smooth page scroll // The optional number (800) specifies the number of milliseconds it takes to scroll to the specified area $('html, body').animate({ scrollTop: $(hash).offset().top }, 800, function () { // Add hash (#) to URL when done scrolling (default click behavior) window.location.hash = hash; }); } // End if }); }); </script> </body> </html>

CINXE.COM

President Jimmy Carter’s National Marine Sanctuary Legacy