Happy New Year
from the Foundation

A 2026 new year’s message from CEO Joel R. Johnson

Starting in 2026, the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation has a new three-year strategic plan: Voyage 2029: Safeguarding Our Shared Waters.

Our nation’s marine sanctuaries safeguard some of the most extraordinary waters on Earth—iconic places where science, heritage, and community come together to sustain life and livelihoods. Yet too few Americans have experienced them. Through Voyage 2029, we are inviting the public to join us on a journey of change. This plan sets a clear course to ensure that every American understands the value of our marine sanctuaries and feels invited to safeguard them—by visiting, volunteering, giving, or sharing their story, whether they have visited a marine sanctuary or not.

To kick off this new direction, we are asking our community what your intentions are for 2026 and what matters most to you about our marine sanctuaries.