More than 170,000 square miles of U.S. marine and Great Lakes waters are preserved through national marine sanctuaries. There are 14 of them scattered around the country, from Washington State to the Florida Keys, and from Lake Huron to American Samoa.

Sylvia Earle calls these areas “hope spots,” as they promote responsible, sustainable ocean uses that ensure the health of our most valued ocean habitats. Explorer, filmmaker and diver Céline Cousteau—the granddaughter of Jacques Cousteau—has had the rare opportunity to visit all of these special aquatic places. We’re thrilled to have her here today to share what she’s seen and learned through her travels.