SANCTUARY CLASSIC

National Marine Sanctuaries to host free youth and family fishing photo contest

June 2014--In partnership with the Sportfishing Conservancy and a host of other sponsors, our National Marine Sanctuaries are hosting the 2014 Sanctuary Classic – a free fishing photo contest designed to promote recreational opportunities and reward sustainable recreational angling in America’s National Marine Sanctuaries. 

The nationwide contest opens on June 8, 2014 (World Oceans Day) and ends on Labor Day, September 1, 2014.

Twenty Guy Harvey t-shirts will be given to the first 20 photos submitted each week. Each week, one photo will be selected by judges at The Sportfishing Conservancy to win the weekly prize. The weekly photo winner will be selected by the photo that best represents the theme of the Sanctuary Classic (kids fishing, family fishing, etc.)

Eight $500 Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation scholarshipswill be 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.

Outdoor activities, such as recreational fishing, give children and families a way to experience our national marine sanctuaries, learn about how we are part of nature, and foster a sense of responsibility for our environment. We look forward to seeing Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary represented in the contest.

This is the third year of the Sanctuary Classic.

Additional Information

For information on the 2014 Sanctuary Classic and how to enter, visit www.sanctuaryclassic.org.

top of page