Marine Protected Areas and National Marine Sanctuaries!

NOAA's National Ocean Service defines a marine protected area (MPA) as an area of the ocean or Great Lakes that is protected for the purpose of conservation. Though there are varying levels of protection, the greater levels establish 'no-take' areas where it is illegal to fish, or to remove anything from the site. Such stringent regulations are to ensure that the delicate habitat is not disrupted by humans and, today, only apply in about 1% of United States waters. The highest level of protection of a MPA are the 'no-access' sites. With the exception of some research scientists, all human activity is restricted from these areas.

The purpose of MPAs is quite simple: to preserve a natural habitat by preventing detrimental human interactions. Areas selected for protection have been deemed 'critical' and are often breeding grounds or juvenile nurseries for at-risk marine species. Many MPAs are likely home to endangered endemic (only found in a certain area) species. MPAs under less strict regulations are to preserve unique landscapes, historical shipwrecks, and areas important to commercial fisheries (which are heavily regulated in such areas).

Official MPAs often overlap with the designation of a National Marine Sanctuary. Sanctuaries serve the same purpose of conservation, yet actively encourage eco-tourism and scientific research.

Map of National Marine Sanctuaries of the United States

If you follow this link... http://ocean.nationalgeographic.com/ocean/photos/us-marine-protected-areas/#/red-coral-georgia-mpa_17663_600x450.jpg ... you will be brought to the National Geographic webpage that has a plethora of amazing underwater photographs taken from MPA's in the US.

Don't you just LOVE NatGeo?!!!!

Check this out too! http://sanctuaries.noaa.gov/

I have had several opportunities to SCUBA dive in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary... and, words can not even describe how beautiful the area is. There are pristine coral reef systems for miles of amazing diving! Not to mention the crazy array of shipwrecks, many of which were purposely sunk to serve as both artificial reef habitat and recreation for divers.

Everyone benefits form Marine Protected Areas and National Marine Sanctuaries!

Awesome photo of me diving a wreck in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary!