Resource Management 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.

Resource Management Issues
A wide variety of potential threats and opportunities for maintaining a healthy Sanctuary

Collaborative Planning & Management
A partnership approach used to address many resource issues

Laws and Regulations
Eleven prohibitions are tools to protect Sanctuary resources

Permits
Permits and application guidelines for prohibited activities

Enforcement
A tool to increase understanding and compliance with regulations

Water Quality Protection Program
A partnership effort for clean water in the Sanctuary and its watersheds

Citizen Watershed Monitoring Network
An organized network for volunteer water quality monitoring

Conservation Working Group
A subcommittee of environmental organizations and agencies provide advice on resource management issues

Field Operations
Boat, plane and shore-base activities support MBNMS programs

Resource Protection Personnel
The staff, their responsibilities and backgrounds

Agricultural Water Quality Alliance (AWQA)
A collaborative effort to reduce agricultural nonpoint source pollution in Sanctuary watersheds.