There are many different types of MPAs including national marine sanctuaries and national estuarine research reserves.
Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary, designated as a sanctuary in 2000 to protect the many shipwrecks of the region, is an example of a marine protected area aimed at conserving cultural resources.
Another example of a marine protected area is South Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve. Since the creation of the reserve, management plans have sought to restrict the most intensive commercial uses and restore natural processes, while ensuring that South Slough is available for public recreational use.
The 13 national marine sanctuaries, managed directly by NOS, and the 27 national estuarine research reserves, managed by states in partnership with NOS, are part of the National MPA Center inventory. Additionally, all 13 national marine sanctuaries and five national estuarine research reserves are members of the national system of MPAs.