From general exploration to routine monitoring, science plays a vital role in making decisions about the management of the sanctuary. Information gathered by the science team and our partners provides data to aid in determining how best to allocate limited resources and to effectively target the most important management issues of the sanctuary.
Independent research is encouraged at the site, but all research activities require a permit from the sanctuary. Interested principal investigators should contact the permit coordinator to discuss their research ideas.
Information about the science needs for critical management issues in Monitor National Marine Sanctuary is available on the NOAA Office of National Marine Sanctuaries website.
USS Monitor
The Union’s first Civil War ironclad, the USS Monitor changed naval warfare forever.
World War I
In partnership with the U.S. Coast Guard, NOAA conducts research and shares the story of the Diamond Shoals Lightship (LV-71), sunk by U-140 in 1918.
World War II
Learn about the expeditions to document North Carolina shipwrecks that sank in the Battle of the Atlantic.