NOAA - National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration - Draf...

The new draft plan, a major revision to the sanctuary’s original management plan published in 1993, focuses on key issues affecting the sanctuary, including ecosystem alteration, wildlife disturbance, vessel traffic and its potential threat to marine mammals, water quality and invasive species.

The plan also addresses important sanctuary programs such as maritime heritage preservation, conservation science, enforcement, interagency cooperation, public outreach and education, and infrastructure development. No changes to sanctuary regulations are proposed in this draft plan.

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“This plan is centered on the need to manage marine resources for biodiversity conservation,” said sanctuary superintendent Craig MacDonald. “This is an evolving approach that stresses the management of the entire sanctuary ecosystem, including all biological communities, habitats and species populations, together with compatible human uses.”

Periodic management plan review is required by Congress for each of the 13 national marine sanctuaries to ensure that they continue to conserve, protect and enhance their nationally significant living and cultural resources while allowing compatible commercial and recreational activities.

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