Marine Protected Areas

Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) are valuable tools for conserving the nation's natural and cultural marine resources as part of an ecosystem approach to management. The United States has many types of MPAs for many purposes, including conservation of natural heritage, cultural heritage and sustainable production. Learn more about the national effort to build an effective national system of marine protected areas.

WHAT'S NEW?
	Extended Public Comment Period: The Revised Draft Framework for Developing the National System of Marine Protected Areas. Public comment period now ends May 16, 2008 13 New Members Appointed to the Marine Protected Areas Federal Advisory Committee Next Meeting of Marine Protected Areas Federal Advisory Committee Scheduled for April 22 - April 24 in Silver Spring, MD

DEVELOPING THE NATIONAL SYSTEM OF MPAs
	Download the Revised Draft Framework Next Steps for Developing the National System of MPAs First analysis of place-based conservation in U.S. waters

WEST COAST PILOT PROJECT
	West Coast Pilot -- tools, methods and information to build the National System Analysis of place-based conservation in West Coast waters MPA Center's science & analysis efforts

OTHER RESOURCES AND NEWS
	MPA Center and Office of Coast Survey working to add MPAs to navigational charts Presidential Statement Highlights North American Network of MPAs

The Marine Protected Areas Federal Advisory Committee

The MPA Federal Advisory Committee (FAC) is made up 30 members who represent diverse ocean interests involved in the use of MPAs as a conservation and management tool. Committee members are appointed by the Secretary of Commerce, and serve four-year terms. They represent a broad stakeholder community, including natural and social scientists, commercial fishers, anglers, divers, state and tribal resource managers, ocean industry, and conservationalists. Supported by the MPA Center, the committee's role is to provide expert advice and recommendations to the Secretaries of Commerce and the Interior on implementation of the national system of MPAs.

In early 2008, thirteen new members were appointed to the MPA FAC, all with diverse backgrounds and experience. Click here to view their bios.

The MPA FAC meets at least twice a year in venues around the country. Meetings are open to the public and include an opportunity for the public to provide comments to the committee. The next meeting of the MPA FAC will be April 22 - April 24 in Silver Spring, MD. You can view the draft agenda here.

About This Site | Disclaimer | Privacy Policy

Revised April 14, 2008 by the MPA Webmaster.
Site jointly managed by the U.S. Department of Commerce / NOAA and the U.S. Department of the Interior
http://www.mpa.gov /welcome.html