Welcome to the Northeast Canyons and Seamounts Marine National Monument! Located off the coast of southern New England, the Monument is a biologically diverse area of open ocean, larger than Yellowstone National Park. It was established by Presidential Proclamation in 2016 and protects four underwater seamounts (Bear, Mytilus, Physalia, and Retriever Seamounts) and three submarine canyons (Oceanographer, Lydonia, and Gilbert).
Monument Management Planning Update: Draft Management Plan and Environmental Assessment Available for Review.

Please visit the Monument's Planning Page to learn more about the Draft Management Plan and Environmental Assessment. 

Visit Us

It is the first Marine National Monument in the Atlantic Ocean and currently the only Atlantic Monument in the United States. The Monument is approximately over 3.1 million acres and is located 130 miles off Cape Cod, Massachusetts. 

Location and Contact Information

      About Us

      The Northeast Canyons and Seamounts Marine National Monument was established to protect and conserve its unique and pristine ocean habitats, historic objects, and features of high scientific interests for current and future generations of Americans.   

       

      What We Do

      Partnered with NOAA, we protect, research, and overlook this rich area of biodiversity. 

      Our Species

      The Monument is know for its abundance of marine mammals, deep-sea corals, rich diversity of fishes, sea turtles, and seabirds.

      Get Involved

      While over 100 miles away from land, there are still some fantastic ways to experience the Monument including recreational fishing and bird and mammal viewing (like whale watching).

      Projects and Research

      Since the early 1900s, researchers have recognized the uniqueness of the waters and submerged lands within the monument boundaries. This recognition has piqued the interests of oceanographers, including physical, geological, chemical, and biological oceanographers.

      a pink octopus sitting on the sea floor.
      Image Details
      Monument Management Plan

      The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration jointly developed the Monument Management Plan to guide the work of the Monument for the next 15 years and provide a framework for stewardship and management of this special place.  

      This Plan establishes the long-term vision and framework needed to provide proper care for the Monument’s...

      Project Title
      Monument Management Plan