Sanctuary Classic

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Overview

The National Marine Sanctuary "Classic"

The Classic was a free summer-long fishing and photo contest featuring four National Marine Sanctuaries [Channel Islands and Monterey Bay, CA; Florida Keys, FL; and Gray’s Reef, GA] although photos taken in any National Marine Sanctuary qualified.

Ten $100 prizes were given out each week to the people submitting the photographs that get the most ‘votes.’ At the end of the summer, $1,000 in scholarships was awarded to the four photos judged to best demonstrate certain criteria.

Four $1,000 scholarships were awarded based on how well photos show all or a combination of: Kids Fishing, Kids and Family Values, Kids in the Outdoors, Kids in the Sanctuaries and Kids’ Conservation.

Most (98 percent) of National Marine Sanctuary waters are open to recreational fishing and provide an incredible outdoors experience. NOAA Fisheries and NOAA Sanctuaries support sustainable recreational fishing. The "Classic" caters to a broad spectrum of recreational fishing enthusiasts and provides conservation and ethical angling guidelines for the casual angler.

While the primary purpose of the National Marine Sanctuary System is to protect the resources of these areas, their legislation also calls for allowing compatible uses which includes all types of recreation.

Last year NOAA’s National Marine Sanctuaries supported 50,000 jobs and more than $4 billion in local economies. These places continue to build stronger communities, support local economies and maintain coastal cultures - true American treasures.

A Summer-long Recreational Fishing and Photo Contest

• Free entry into “Classic”

• Each participant must agree to conservation guidelines and follow all federal, state and local regulations

• Participants enter and submit photos online

• Catch and Release encouraged

• Register online/ Enter with submission of fish photos

• $1,000 in Weekly prizes (Gift certificates) Awarded from June 16 through September 3.

• Participation Award Certificate to all entrants/photo submissions

• 4 Grand Prizes ($1,000 Scholarships) – will be judged for “best” photos with bonus points for:

• Kids/Family fishing

• Fish Released

• The “Classic” Runs Summer long

• Kick-Off Events Saturday National Oceans Week

• Last Submissions Monday of Labor Day [September 3]

• 4 Sanctuaries will be the focus this year.

• West Coast

• Monterey Bay

• Channel Islands

• East Coast

• Florida Keys

• Grays Reef

The 2012 National Marine Sanctuaries Classic helps demonstrate:

• NOAA’s National Marine Sanctuaries provide a healthful environment for kids and an incredible link to the outdoors

• NOAA Sanctuaries are open to and support sustainable recreational fishing

• NOAA Fisheries – manages / supports recreational fishing

• The “Classic” illustrates the benefits of light touch recreational fishing

• The “Classic” targets and caters to a broader, more casual recreational fishing base

• The “Classic” provides conservation guidelines to casual angler audience

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"Recognizing that with privilege comes responsibility, the mission of the Sportfishing Conservancy is to empower sportsmen to fulfill and celebrate their commitment to their sport and to the real world conservation."

Scholarships

Student Scholarships

The Sportfishing Conservancy will award a total of four (4) scholarships, valued at $1,000 each to the parent or guardian of children [under the age of 18].