About the Sanctuary Proposal

For the first time in almost two decades, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has reopened its application process for new National Marine Sanctuaries, adding to the 14 regions already designated worldwide. This rare opening has led four Lake Ontario counties—Jefferson, Oswego, Cayuga and Wayne—along with the City of Oswego to seek sanctuary status for the southeastern Lake Ontario area.

Every community contributes its own strengths and priorities, working together so the natural, cultural and historic resources we value can be shared and enjoyed by future generations. Success starts with community backing, which makes it essential to understand what an NMS is and what it could mean for our communities and industries.