MPA Programs

beach grass — Sapelo Island National Estuarine Research Reserve hosts students from a local science class. Credit: Jim Couch, Georgia Department of Natural Resources

A variety of government programs, agencies, and legislation manage, monitor or establish marine protected areas in U.S. waters.

Federal MPA Programs

State & Territorial MPA Programs

Tribal Programs

International MPA Initiatives

Resources

Congressional Research Service's Marine Protected Areas: An Overview