For more than 25 years, we've strengthened people's connections to our ocean, coasts, and Great Lakes-our shared history, culture, and maritime heritage-and built partnerships with coastal communities and businesses tied to over 629,000 square miles of public waters that belong to all Americans. Many sanctuary gateway communities include visitor centers and community partnerships with zoos, aquariums, and museums that extend this impact - serving as hubs for conservation, innovation, commerce, and tourism where people engage directly with the ocean and Great Lakes.