National Marine Protected Areas Center: States, Commonwealths, and Territorial MPA Programs

States, Commonwealths, and Territorial Marine Protected Area Programs

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States, Commonwealths, and Territorial Marine Protected Area Programs

States use a wide variety of site designation authorities to protect and manage natural and cultural coastal and marine resources. Nationwide, there are more than 100 state, territorial, and commonwealth agencies with area-based management authority. Every state and territory has different bureaus, departments, and divisions that regulate the environment, manage lands, and regulate commerce. MPAs are used by states for a variety of purposes ranging from managing fisheries, recreation, tourism, and other uses to protecting ecological functions, preserving shipwrecks, and maintaining traditional or cultural connections to the marine environment. In addition, local governments within coastal states, such as counties and other municipalities, have programs that establish and manage MPAs for protecting marine species, nursery grounds, shellfish beds, and other important natural and cultural resources.

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MPA Programs Federal State/Territorial Tribal International	States, Commonwealths, and Territorial Marine Protected Area Programs > About MPAs > MPA Programs > MPA States, Commonwealths, and Territorial States, Commonwealths, and Territorial Marine Protected Area Programs States use a wide variety of site designation authorities to protect and manage natural and cultural coastal and marine resources. Nationwide, there are more than 100 state, territorial, and commonwealth agencies with area-based management authority. Every state and territory has different bureaus, departments, and divisions that regulate the environment, manage lands, and regulate commerce. MPAs are used by states for a variety of purposes ranging from managing fisheries, recreation, tourism, and other uses to protecting ecological functions, preserving shipwrecks, and maintaining traditional or cultural connections to the marine environment. In addition, local governments within coastal states, such as counties and other municipalities, have programs that establish and manage MPAs for protecting marine species, nursery grounds, shellfish beds, and other important natural and cultural resources.

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