This page contains images contributed by SBNMS staff and volunteers. Any images taken by NOAA staff during work time are within the public domain. Photos contributed by volunteers and staff during personal time are covered by the iNaturalist copyright rules. Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary is the only such marine protected area in New England. The areas is considered the birthplace of East Coast whale watching and has been listed as an Important Bird Area. its entire 842-square-miles was incorporated within the Boston metropolitan City Nature Challenge coverage area. Anne Smrcina, the sanctuary's education/outreach coordinator, manages this site for the sanctuary.