West Coast Regional Director Williams Douros of the National Oceanic and Association's Office
of National Marine Sanctuaries, discussed in depth the National Marine Sanctuary System, the broad scale issues that we are facing, and the political nature of the sanctuary and its future.
The National Marine Sanctuaries are location based, specialized marine areas found all
throughout the United States. These locations harbor government investments in science, education, and resource protections. These locations help coastal economies by promoting and protecting healthy resources. Because of the diversity of the species, habitats, and services, the NMS strives to protect this diversity. This is accomplished through a broad regulation of environmental threats, such as oil or gas development. Tactics commonly used include raising public awareness, understanding through education and outreach, improving management through research, and facilitating public use compatible with research protection. The fundamental purpose of the NMS is to protect maritime heritage, research and monitoring, education and outreach, and the furthering of research.
The National Marine Sanctuaries Act was passed in 1972. Further legislative documents followed
a series of steps: new designations must come from a list of candidates, all designations involve extensive public review, and final documents creating a sanctuary.
Regulated activities on the West Coast include, but are not limited to, the discharge of materials
into any sanctuary, alteration of the seabed, disturbing of marine life, moving or removing historical resources, oil and gas exploration or production, aircraft elevation restrictions, and introducing invasive species.
Non-regulatory solutions include protecting marine water quality at the watershed level, reducing
the introduction and spread of nonnat...
