** From beach cleanups to citizen science, there are countless ways to contribute to the vital protection of America’s underwater parks.
📍 ** United States – West Coast & California National Marine Sanctuaries
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The National Marine Sanctuary System is relying heavily on volunteers to bolster its conservation efforts, especially during April, a month dedicated to celebrating impactful community involvement. Across the system, individuals are making a real difference through stewardship, science, and public engagement. In 2025, a remarkable 6,806 volunteers dedicated over 36,748 hours to supporting vital projects, highlighting the profound commitment to preserving these unique environments.
Currently, a diverse range of opportunities are available. On the West Coast, the Washington Coast Cleanup, taking place on April 25th, 2026, invites participants to remove marine debris from beaches along the Pacific Coast and the Strait of Juan de Fuca – a fantastic way to celebrate Earth Day. Simultaneously, the COASST program provides a citizen science experience, allowing volunteers to track seabirds, marine debris, and coastal changes along the northeast Pacific beaches, contributing to long-term ecosystem monitoring.
Beyond immediate cleanup efforts, longer-term projects also need dedicated support. California National Marine Sanctuaries are actively tracking invasive marine species through ongoing surveys, and Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary is hosting Snapshot Day on May 2nd, 2026, for a hands-on water quality data collection event. There’s even an opportunity to assist in the ‘Wanted Alive’ project, searching for white abalone during May through October.
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Original Source: Link
** #MarineSanctuaries #VolunteerOpportunities #CitizenScience #CoastalCleanup #OceanConservation #EarthMonth #NationalVolunteerMonth #MarineDebris