National Marine Protected Areas Center: International MPA Efforts

International MPA Efforts

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International Marine Protected Areas Efforts

The United States shares a number of common resources with both neighboring and distant countries. For instance, migratory species (e.g., whales, sea turtles, pelagic fishes, and some birds) rely on the marine and coastal waters of multiple countries during various stages of their life. There are also a number of international law and policy issues regarding our underwater cultural heritage. For example, certain cultural resources that rest in the seabed of U.S. MPAs, such as sunken military craft and associated contents that have not been abandoned, retain their protected sovereign status and permanent right, title, and interest may be vested in the flag country.

What are some examples of International MPA linkages?

For U.S. MPAs, important international linkages include, but are not limited to, those relating to Canada, Mexico, and Russia, as well as those amongst multiple countries in the Arctic, Pacific Islands, and Caribbean. Several legal mechanisms, such as bi-lateral and multi-lateral agreements and treaties, exist to address many of these resources management issues. For example, the International Maritime Organization's Particularly Sensitive Sea Areas program and the Wider Caribbean Protocol Concerning Specially Protected Areas and Wildlife are two MPA-related international efforts of significance.

How is the MPA Center involved with International MPA Efforts?

The MPA Center and/or its federal partners are actively involved in a number of international MPA efforts, including the Commission on Environmental Cooperation's development of a North American MPA Network (NAMPAN) and the exchange of training and technical assistance with other nations. The MPA Center is also partnering with the National Ocean Service / International Programs Office to facilitate the listing of protected areas, and species of flora and fauna, under the Wider Caribbean Protocol Concerning Specially Protected Areas and Wildlife, which the U.S. ratified in 2003.

How will the national system work with international MPAs?

There are numerous international MPA efforts and linkages that can contribute to and benefit from the national system. Marine ecosystems and their associated natural resources rarely align with the political boundaries of sovereign countries. Moreover, ecosystems often overlap with adjacent countries and some natural resources may move back and forth between distant countries. In recognition of these important international connections, section 4(a) of Executive Order 13158 calls on federal agencies to identify opportunities to improve "linkages with, and technical assistance to, international [MPA] programs."

Enhancing existing or establishing new linkages among systems in other countries can mutually benefit the United States and international MPAs through coordination of efforts, information and capacity sharing, and technical assistance. The national system can facilitate a dialogue and develop collaborative efforts between the United States and other countries to complement and support the work of MPA programs.

Links

Executive Order 13158
The National System of MPAs
North American MPA Network
SPAW Protocol and the U.S. National System of MPAs

For More Information
Write to mpainfo@noaa.gov.

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MPA Programs Federal State/Territorial Tribal International	International MPA Efforts > About MPAs > MPA Programs > International MPA Efforts International Marine Protected Areas Efforts The United States shares a number of common resources with both neighboring and distant countries. For instance, migratory species (e.g., whales, sea turtles, pelagic fishes, and some birds) rely on the marine and coastal waters of multiple countries during various stages of their life. There are also a number of international law and policy issues regarding our underwater cultural heritage. For example, certain cultural resources that rest in the seabed of U.S. MPAs, such as sunken military craft and associated contents that have not been abandoned, retain their protected sovereign status and permanent right, title, and interest may be vested in the flag country. What are some examples of International MPA linkages? For U.S. MPAs, important international linkages include, but are not limited to, those relating to Canada, Mexico, and Russia, as well as those amongst multiple countries in the Arctic, Pacific Islands, and Caribbean. Several legal mechanisms, such as bi-lateral and multi-lateral agreements and treaties, exist to address many of these resources management issues. For example, the International Maritime Organization's Particularly Sensitive Sea Areas program and the Wider Caribbean Protocol Concerning Specially Protected Areas and Wildlife are two MPA-related international efforts of significance. How is the MPA Center involved with International MPA Efforts? The MPA Center and/or its federal partners are actively involved in a number of international MPA efforts, including the Commission on Environmental Cooperation's development of a North American MPA Network (NAMPAN) and the exchange of training and technical assistance with other nations. The MPA Center is also partnering with the National Ocean Service / International Programs Office to facilitate the listing of protected areas, and species of flora and fauna, under the Wider Caribbean Protocol Concerning Specially Protected Areas and Wildlife, which the U.S. ratified in 2003. How will the national system work with international MPAs? There are numerous international MPA efforts and linkages that can contribute to and benefit from the national system. Marine ecosystems and their associated natural resources rarely align with the political boundaries of sovereign countries. Moreover, ecosystems often overlap with adjacent countries and some natural resources may move back and forth between distant countries. In recognition of these important international connections, section 4(a) of Executive Order 13158 calls on federal agencies to identify opportunities to improve "linkages with, and technical assistance to, international [MPA] programs." Enhancing existing or establishing new linkages among systems in other countries can mutually benefit the United States and international MPAs through coordination of efforts, information and capacity sharing, and technical assistance. The national system can facilitate a dialogue and develop collaborative efforts between the United States and other countries to complement and support the work of MPA programs. Links Executive Order 13158 The National System of MPAs North American MPA Network SPAW Protocol and the U.S. National System of MPAs For More Information Write to mpainfo@noaa.gov. (top)

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