Enforcement
Section 307 of the National Marine Sanctuaries Act authorizes NOAA to assess civil penalties for violations of sanctuary regulations. The National Marine Sanctuary Program supports an enforcement philosophy that fosters voluntary compliance through educating sanctuary users and promoting a sense of stewardship toward the living and cultural resources of the sanctuary. The Program’s goal is to provide a law enforcement presence in order to deter and detect violations.
The Program conducts its enforcement efforts through cooperative partnerships with other agencies, including the NOAA Office for Law Enforcement, U.S. Coast Guard, and the U.S. Department of the Interior. Various state marine and wildlife enforcement agencies in the states where the sanctuaries are located also are cross-deputized to support sanctuary enforcement. Enforcement case documentation is processed through the NOAA Office for Law Enforcement, and violations are prosecuted by NOAA General Counsel for Enforcement and Litigation.
Related Links:
http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/ole/
http://www.gc.noaa.gov
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