Supporting the designation of October 23, 2025, as "National Marine Sanctuary Day".
H. Res. 822 is a non-binding House resolution that expresses support for designating October 23, 2025 as “National Marine Sanctuary Day.” It ties the designation to the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act of 1972 and the National Marine Sanctuary System, describing sanctuaries as a nationwide network that protects natural, historical, and cultural resources in U.S. marine and Great Lakes waters while supporting recreation and economic activity. The resolution urges responsible visitation, recognizes the recreational and economic value of sanctuaries, and emphasizes conservation, access, and cultural preservation. It also asks federal agencies to coordinate and balance priorities to support the MPRA’s objectives. In short, the bill creates a ceremonial day to celebrate national marine sanctuaries and promote awareness, visitation, and supportive interagency collaboration. It does not create new programs, authorize spending, or mandate new requirements.
Key Points
- 1Designates October 23, 2025 as “National Marine Sanctuary Day.”
- 2Encourages Americans and global visitors to responsibly visit, experience, recreate in, and support U.S. national marine sanctuaries.
- 3Recognizes sanctuaries’ recreational opportunities and their contributions to local and national economies.
- 4Acknowledges the roles of sanctuaries in conservation, increasing access to public waters, and cultural preservation.
- 5Urges federal agencies to balance priorities and collaborate to support the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act of 1972.