Under the swirling clouds of a blustery March day, two fallen heroes of the Civil War were laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery, their identities still a mystery. Hundreds gathered at Arlington on March 8 to watch as horse-drawn caissons carried their flag-draped caskets to the graveside ceremony. Continue reading.

Read more about the sailors who were lost when the USS Monitor sank.

Sanctuary Advisory Council to Meet in Manteo, NC

The Monitor National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council will hold its meeting on Monday, April 29 at the UNC Coastal Studies Institute's new campus in Manteo/Wanchese, N.C. The meeting is open to the public and will begin at 10 am. A public comment period will be held from 11:30 am to 11:45 am. For more information click here.

Final Management Plan Released

The Final Management Plan and Environmental Assessment for Monitor National Marine Sanctuary is now available. Management plans are sanctuary-specific planning and management documents used by all national marine sanctuaries. They identify immediate, mid-range and long-term challenges and opportunities, and develop a dedicated course for the future.

View a copy of the Monitor National Marine Sanctuary's final plan.

Click here to view the Federal Register Notice.

To obtain a copy of the Final Management Plan and Environmental Assessment email monitor@noaa.gov.