Resource Protection Overview

There are a variety of resource protection issues within the Sanctuary region due to the sensitivity of habitats and species in the region, the long stretch of adjacent populated coastline, and the multiple uses of the marine environment. The Sanctuary addresses these issues through a variety of means to reduce or prevent detrimental human impacts. Approaches include collaborative multistakeholder management efforts to identify and reduce impacts, reviewing and commenting on projects which may impact the Sanctuary, regulations on prohibited activities, issuing of permits with conditions to minimize impacts, and where necessary, enforcement. Resource protection issues are also addressed through response to emergency events such as spills, through educational outreach to assist the public and businesses in minimizing impacts, and by monitoring to more closely target management efforts.

General Information Learn more of the details about Resource Protection staff and resources. Ecosystem-Based Management Enhance ecosystem-based management and marine spatial planning by applying best available science and integrating and coordinating with partner agencies. Permits, Regulations, & Enforcement Prohibitions and permits are tools to protect Sanctuary resources. Water Quality A partnership effort for clean water in the Sanctuary and its watersheds.

Maritime Heritage Explore a variety of publications, databases, and web resources that describe the reported vessel losses in MBNMS. Resource Management Issues A wide variety of potential threats and opportunities for maintaining a healthy Sanctuary. Conservation Working Group One of the four working groups of the Sanctuary Advisory Council. Reports Resource protection reports and documents.