HAWAIIAN ISLANDS HUMPBACK WHALE NATIONAL MARINE SANCTUARY – Even some of the world’s largest living animals need protection. America’s National Marine Sanctuary System has been doing just that for 50 years at places like Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary. The majestic mammals migrate to the tropical waters every year to calve. Then, they return to the chilly waters of Alaska to feed in the summer.
Nearby Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument and World Heritage Site is the largest marine sanctuary in the US, covering more than 580,000 square miles.
Portions of the Great Lakes and other waterways are protected by the system, too. It was established in 1972 following several environmental disasters. Here’s to another 50 years of conservation!
