11.07.2015 Views

An Ocean Blueprint for the 21st Century - California Ocean ...

An Ocean Blueprint for the 21st Century - California Ocean ...

An Ocean Blueprint for the 21st Century - California Ocean ...

SHOW MORE
SHOW LESS

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

YUMPU automatically turns print PDFs into web optimized ePapers that Google loves.

NOAA Photo LibraryThis giant kelp <strong>for</strong>est in <strong>the</strong> Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary is one of <strong>the</strong> unique habitatsfound in marine protected areas.National InterestsIt is appropriate <strong>for</strong> marine protected areas to be designed and implemented with stronginput from <strong>the</strong> regional, state, and local levels. However, because marine protected areashave <strong>the</strong> potential to affect issues of national concern, such as freedom of navigation, <strong>the</strong>rewill always be a need <strong>for</strong> national-level oversight. With its multiple use, ecosystem-basedperspective, <strong>the</strong> National <strong>Ocean</strong> Council is <strong>the</strong> appropriate entity <strong>for</strong> overseeing <strong>the</strong> developmentof a uni<strong>for</strong>m process to design, implement, and evaluate marine protected areas.The design of marine protected areas should not unreasonably limit importantnational interests, such as international trade, national security, recreation, clean energy,economic development, and scientific research. For example, in most cases, freedom ofnavigation through marine protected areas should not be restricted. However, where someinfringement on such national interests is deemed essential to achieve <strong>the</strong> purposes of amarine protected area, restrictions should be based on <strong>the</strong> best available scientific in<strong>for</strong>mation,with a plan <strong>for</strong> ongoing monitoring and modifications over time. The overallecological and socioeconomic impacts of marine protected areas need to be assessed at<strong>the</strong> national level.Recommendation 6–3The National <strong>Ocean</strong> Council should develop national goals and guidelines leading to a uni<strong>for</strong>mprocess <strong>for</strong> <strong>the</strong> effective design, implementation, and evaluation of marine protected areas.The process should include <strong>the</strong> following:• marine protected area designations that are based on <strong>the</strong> best available science toensure that an area is appropriate <strong>for</strong> its intended purpose.• periodic assessment, monitoring, and modification to ensure continuing ecological andsocioeconomic effectiveness of marine protected areas.• design and implementation that consider issues of national importance, such as freedomof navigation, and are conducted in <strong>the</strong> context of an ecosystem-based comprehensiveoffshore management regime.C HAPTER 6: COORDINATING M ANAGEMENT IN F EDERAL WATERS105

Hooray! Your file is uploaded and ready to be published.

Saved successfully!

Ooh no, something went wrong!