Advisory Council Development of Recommended Alternatives
The Sanctuary Advisory Council, working with public and community experts, is developing recommendations for changes to sanctuary marine zones and regulations. Using direction from the sanctuary management plan, the advisory council’s marine zoning and regulatory review goals and objectives, and public comments, the council has identified priority issues to be addressed through working groups and workshops. Working groups allow the advisory council to gather information from community experts, user groups, and scientists. Information or advice resulting from working group discussions will be presented to the council at its bi-monthly meetings, and may be incorporated or modified as the council makes recommendations to the sanctuary superintendent.
Coral Reef Ecosystem Restoration Working Group
Coral health in the sanctuary has declined over the past several decades due to coastal development, pollution, overfishing, vessel groundings, storms, and coral disease and bleaching. In recent years, great strides have been made to grow corals in underwater nurseries for the purpose of restoring reefs. More…
Shallow Water Wildlife and Habitat Protection Working Group
Hardbottom communities and seagrass beds are critical habitats of the sanctuary, providing important feeding and nursery grounds for numerous commercially-important fish and protected species. These shallow areas are particularly vulnerable to impacts from small vessels, and are frequently damaged by boat propellers, anchors and more. More…
Ecosystem Protection: Ecological Reserves, Preservation Areas and Wildlife Protection Working Group
The sanctuary uses a strategy of marine zoning to protect and preserve sensitive parts of the marine ecosystem, while allowing activities compatible with resource protection. The sanctuary’s Condition Report and scoping comments identified a significant need to review current marine zones and decide what changes must be undertaken to meet the goals and objectives identified by the advisory council. More…
For more information:
Contact one of the Advisory Council members
Draft Advisory Council Regulatory and Zoning Alternatives Development Workplan (pdf, 257 kb)
