Whereas, on October 23, 1972, the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act of 1972 ( 33 U.S.C. 1401 et seq. ) became law and ushered in a new era of ocean conservation; Whereas the National Marine Sanctuary System is a nationwide network that conserves spectacular ocean, coasts, and Great Lakes waters; Whereas communities across the United States can nominate their most treasured places in marine and Great Lakes waters for consideration as national marine sanctuaries; Whereas national marine sanctuaries protect biodiversity and vital habitats for countless species of fish and wildlife, safeguard extraordinary seascapes, historic shipwrecks, and sacred cultural places, and provide abundant recreational opportunities; Whereas the National Marine Sanctuaries Act ( 16 U.S.C. 1431 et seq. ) aims to coordinate plans for the protection and management of the National Marine Sanctuary System in coordination with Federal agencies, State and local governments, and Native American tribes and organizations concerned with continuing the health and resilience of these marine areas; Whereas the conservation of marine ecosystems is vital for a healthy ocean, coasts, and Great Lakes, addressing climate change, and sustaining productive coastal economies; Whereas national marine sanctuaries increase access to nature and support coastal communities, and generate billions of dollars annually in local communities by providing jobs in the United States, supporting commercial, Tribal, and recreational fisheries, bolstering tourism and recreation, engaging businesses in stewardship, and driving the growth of the blue economy; Whereas national marine sanctuaries connect people and communities through science, education, recreation, and stewardship that inspire community-based solutions that help individuals understand and protect the Nation’s most spectacular underwater habitats, wildlife, archaeological resources, and cultural seascapes of the United States