Visit a National Marine Sanctuary We are dedicated to inspiring all people to preserve, protect, and promote America's underwater treasures. Click on the whale tail below and visit your favorite sanctuary! About Us The National Marine Sanctuary Foundation, a private, non-profit, 501 ( c ) ( 3 ) tax-exempt organization, was created to assist the federally managed National Marine Sanctuary Program with education and outreach programs designed to preserve, protect and promote meaningful opportunities for public interaction with the nation's marine sanctuaries.