Constituent Newsletter   -  Spring Review 2012

Sanctuary Classic kicks off in the Florida Keys!

A young angler reels in a fish off the dock at the Sanctuary Classic kickoff (Photo: NOAA).

On June 9, families and experienced anglers gathered at Florida Keys and Channel Islands national marine sanctuaries to celebrate the kickoff of the Sanctuary Classic, a summer-long fishing and photo contest highlighting recreational fishing in national marine sanctuaries. In addition to Channel Islands and Florida Keys, Gray's Reef and Monterey Bay national marine sanctuaries will host Sanctuary Classic events this summer.

By providing conservation and ethics guidelines to casual anglers, the Sanctuary Classic aims to support conservation and fishing, show the value of balancing resource management and recreation, foster environmental stewardship through a family-friendly activity, and reach a broad spectrum of recreational fishing enthusiasts.

While the primary purpose of the national marine sanctuary system is to protect the resources of our nation's special places, 98 percent of national marine sanctuary waters are open to recreational fishing and provide an incredible outdoor experience.

The Sanctuary Classic runs all summer, from June 9 through September 3, 2012, with the last submissions due Labor Day.