Nominating MPAs to the National System of Marine Protected Areas
Eligible MPAs are invited to nominate their sites to be part of the national system of MPAs. The nomination process is transparent, science-based, and provides an opportunity for public comment. The first round of nominations will be due in early 2008. After the first round, nominations will be accepted at any time, with a formal announcement and updates made on an annual basis.
How do I know if my site may be eligible?
Download the nomination package
Entry Criteria
- Meets the definition of an MPA as defined in the Final Framework
- Has a management plan (can be site-specific or part of a broader programmatic management plan)
- Contributes to at least one priority conservation objective as listed in the Framework
- Cultural heritage MPAs must also conform to criteria for the National Register for Historic Places.
Nomination Process
- The MPA Center will use existing information in the MPA Inventory to identify potentially eligible MPAs, and they will be invited to nominate their sites.
- Managing entities submit a nomination form for each nominated MPA to the MPA Center.
- A list of nominated sites will be published in a Federal Register notice and posted on www.mpa.gov for a 30-day public comment period. .
- Based on public comment, managing entities will reaffirm or withdraw their nominations.
- After final MPA Center review, mutually agreed upon MPAs will be accepted into the national system.
- MPAs accepted into the national system will be listed in the official List of National System MPAs, which will be published in the Federal Register and on www.mpa.gov.
Links
MPA Executive Order 13158
Framework for the National System of MPAs
Priority Conservation Objectives Fact Sheet
Nomination Process Fact Sheet
Definition of Marine Protected Areas
Science and Analysis Page
Marine Protected Areas Inventory
Fact Sheets
Frequently Asked Questions about MPAs
Archive: Developing the National System of MPAs
For More Information
mpainfo@noaa.gov
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