Marine Sanctuaries Conservation Series ONMS 06-04

U.S. Department of Commerce 

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 

National Ocean Service 

Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management 

Conservation Science

in NOAA’s National Marine Sanctuaries:

Description and Recent Accomplishments

Office of National Marine Sanctuaries June 2006 
About the Marine Sanctuaries Conservation Series 

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Office of National Marine Sanctuaries (ONMS) 

administers the National Marine Sanctuary Program. Its mission is to identify, designate, protect and 

manage the ecological, recreational, research, educational, historical, and aesthetic resources and 

qualities of nationally significant coastal and marine areas. The existing marine sanctuaries differ widely 

in their natural and historical resources and include nearshore and open ocean areas ranging in size from 

less than one to over 5,000 square miles. Protected habitats include rocky coasts, kelp forests, coral reefs, 

sea grass beds, estuarine habitats, hard and soft bottom habitats, segments of whale migration routes, and 

shipwrecks. 

Because of considerable differences in settings, resources, and threats, each marine sanctuary has a 

tailored management plan. Conservation, education, research, monitoring and enforcement programs vary 

accordingly. The integration of these programs is fundamental to marine protected area management. The 

Marine Sanctuaries Conservation Series reflects and supports this integration by providing a forum for 

publication and discussion of the complex issues currently facing the National Marine Sanctuary Program. 

Topics of published reports vary substantially and may include descriptions of educational programs, 

discussions on resource management issues, and results of scientific research and monitoring projects. 

The series facilitates integration of natural sciences, socioeconomic and cultural sciences, education, and 

policy development to accomplish the diverse needs of NOAA’s resource protection mandate. 
Conservation Science

in NOAA’s National Marine Sanctuaries:

Description and Recent Accomplishments

Compiler: Stephen R. Gittings 

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 

National Marine Sanctuary Program 

U.S. Department of Commerce 

Carlos M. Gutierrez, Secretary 

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 

VADM Conrad C. Lautenbacher, Jr. (USN-ret.) 

Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere 

National Ocean Service 

John H. Dunnigan, Assistant Administrator 

Silver Spring, Maryland Office of National Marine Sanctuaries 

June 2006 Daniel J. Basta, Director 
DISCLAIMER 

Report content does not necessarily reflect the views and policies of the Office of National Marine 

Sanctuaries or the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, nor does the mention of trade names 

or commercial products constitute endorsement or recommendation for use. 

REPORT AVAILABILITY 

Electronic copies of this report may be downloaded from the National Marine Sanctuaries Program web 

site at www.sanctuaries.nos.noaa.gov. Hard copies may be available from the following address: 

 National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

 Office of National Marine Sanctuaries

 SSMC4, N/ORM62 

 1305 East-West Highway 

 Silver Spring, MD 20910 

COVER 

Clockwise from left: Whale concentrations and vessel traffic separation scheme – David Wiley, Michael 

Thompson, Richard Merrick, NOAA; Lobster size and abundance – Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation 

Commission, Fish and Wildlife Research Institute; Net sampling from the NOAA Ship David Starr Jordan

- Cordell Bank NMS 

SUGGESTED CITATION

Gittings, Stephen R. 2006. Conservation Science in NOAA’s National Marine Sanctuaries: Description 

and Recent Accomplishments. Marine Sanctuaries Conservation Series ONMS-06-04. U.S. 

Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Office of National 

Marine Sanctuaries, Silver Spring, MD. 30 pp. 

CONTACT 

Stephen R. Gittings, Science Program Manager 

NOAA National Marine Sanctuary Program 

1305 East West Highway, N/ORM62 

Silver Spring, MD 20910 

steve.gittings@noaa.gov 
ABSTRACT 

This report describes cases relating to the management of national marine sanctuaries in 

which certain scientific information was required so managers could make decisions that 

effectively protected trust resources. The cases presented represent only a fraction of 

difficult issues that marine sanctuary managers deal with daily. They include, among 

others, problems related to wildlife disturbance, vessel routing, marine reserve placement, 

watershed management, oil spill response, and habitat restoration. Scientific approaches 

to address these problems vary significantly, and include literature surveys, data mining, 

field studies (monitoring, mapping, observations, and measurement), geospatial and 

biogeographic analysis, and modeling. In most cases there is also an element of expert 

consultation and collaboration among multiple partners, agencies with resource 

protection responsibilities, and other users and stakeholders. The resulting management 

responses may involve direct intervention (e.g., for spill response or habitat restoration 

issues), proposal of boundary alternatives for marine sanctuaries or reserves, changes in 

agency policy or regulations, making recommendations to other agencies with resource 

protection responsibilities, proposing changes to international or domestic shipping rules, 

or development of new education or outreach programs. 

KEY WORDS 

Conservation science, national marine sanctuaries, resource management, marine 

reserves, biogeography, watersheds, emergency response, seagrass restoration, 

dispersants, wildlife disturbance, marine mammals, seamounts, database management, 

vessel routing, deep coral 

i
TABLE OF CONTENTS

Topic Page

Abstract and Key Words ................................................................................................................. i 

Table of Contents ............................................................................................................................ ii 

Introduction ..................................................................................................................................... 1 

Science Operations in the NMSP .................................................................................................... 1 

Operating Principles of the Conservation Science Program............................................................ 2 

Science Priorities............................................................................................................................. 3 

Science Funding and Collaboration................................................................................................. 3 

NMSP Conservation Science in Action........................................................................................... 5 

Channel Islands NMS 

Advancing the Science and Policy of Marine Reserves ........................................................... 6 

Emergency Response ............................................................................................................... 7 

Evaluate Boundary Alternatives through Biogeographic Assessment ..................................... 8 

Evaluating Potential Displacement of a Network of Marine Reserves..................................... 9 

Fagatele Bay NMS 

Are Watersheds Driving Change and Recovery on American Samoa’s Coral Reefs?............. 10

Florida Keys NMS 

Designing the Tortugas Ecological Reserve............................................................................. 11 

Effectiveness of a Marine Reserve: Spiny Lobster................................................................... 12 

Emergency Response Planning in the Florida Keys................................................................. 13 

Restoration Tools for Injured Seagrass Communities .............................................................. 14 

Flower Garden Banks NMS 

Dispersant Use for Oil Spill Response ..................................................................................... 15 

Habitat Protection in the Northwestern Gulf of Mexico .......................................................... 16 

Gray’s Reef NMS 

Habitat Map and Public Process Used to Guide Development of a Marine Research 

Area Concept........................................................................................................................ 17 

Gulf of the Farallones NMS 

Reduction of Chronic Oil Pollution: Clean up of the Sunken Vessel, S.S. Jacob

Luckenbach........................................................................................................................... 18

Wildlife Disturbance and Recreational Use Conflicts.............................................................. 19 

Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale NMS 

Vessels Colliding with Whales................................................................................................. 20 

Monterey Bay NMS 

Beach COMBERS Inform Fishery Managers on Gillnet Bycatch ........................................... 21 

Characterize and Protect Davidson Seamount Habitat and Communities................................ 22 

Database Management for the Central and Northern California Ocean Observing 

System (CeNCOOS)............................................................................................................. 23 

Marine Protected Areas Decision Support Tool....................................................................... 24 

Cruise Ship Discharges and Anchorage ................................................................................... 25 

Olympic Coast NMS 

Area to be Avoided (ATBA) Vessel Monitoring ..................................................................... 26 

Document and Protect Remaining Deep Coral/Sponge Communities ..................................... 27 

Stellwagen Bank NMS 

Rerouting Commercial Vessel Traffic to Reduce the Risk of Shipstrikes to Whale ................ 28 

Acknowledgments ........................................................................................................................... 29 

Literature Cited................................................................................................................................ 30

ii
INTRODUCTION

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration depends heavily on the applied sciences 

to accomplish virtually all major components of it missions, most of which contribute 

significantly to the U.S. economy. For example, weather prediction capabilities continue to 

improve, as do scientific and technological advances that improve navigational safety. Studies 

of ocean dynamics promote better understanding of the impacts of changes in climate and 

weather, the vulnerabilities of coastal communities to sea level changes, environmental controls 

on marine fisheries and protected species, and the most efficient responses to oil spills and 

chemical pollution. And with so much attention focused on such critical issues as national 

security and disaster relief, it is more important than ever to use budget resources wisely. For 

NOAA, this means applying the best available information to issues of national importance and 

focusing scientific efforts to address critical knowledge gaps for these issues. 

NOAA’s National Marine 

Sanctuary Program (NMSP, 

http://www.sanctuaries.noaa.go

v/) serves as the trustee for a 

system of 13 underwater parks, 

encompassing more than 

18,000 square miles of marine 

and Great Lakes waters from 

Washington State to the 

Florida Keys, and from Lake 

Huron to American Samoa. 

The NMSP employs a 

conservation science approach 

to conduct, sponsor, and 

facilitate research that is 

fundamental to understanding 

the nature and uses of natural 

and cultural resources in 

marine sanctuaries. The 

NMSP defines conservation 

science as “areas of scientific 

investigation concerned with 

the preservation of natural and 

cultural resources.” For the NMSP, this includes activities related to characterization, 

monitoring, and research focused on improved understanding, assessment, evaluation, protection, 

and restoration of its trust resources. The mission-directed approach of conservation science 

allows sanctuary staff and many partners to document the condition and trends of these protected 

ecosystems as well as the significance of emerging threats, and to develop assessment and 

response capabilities that ensure effective management. The Program evaluates management 

practices, provides improved understanding for future management decisions, and strengthens 

In 1972, exactly one hundred years after the first national park was 

created, the nation made a similar commitment to preserving its marine 

treasures by establishing the National Marine Sanctuary Program. Since 

then, thirteen national marine sanctuaries, representing a wide variety of 

ocean environments, have been designated. 

1
the role of the NMSP in supporting broader, NOAA-wide responsibilities for coastal 

management. 

Conservation science in the marine sanctuaries involves coordination between national and local 

sanctuary programs, between the NMSP and regional and national science support agencies, and 

between sanctuaries and their local support networks. Priorities are determined based on input at 

all levels and are issues of national and local importance. Annual operating plans for the 

sanctuaries provide the approach to setting priorities, and partnerships at all levels provide the 

mechanism for funding and other science support. In all cases, science programs are driven by 

management needs and related performance measures, and evaluated accordingly. 

SCIENCE OPERATIONS IN THE NMSP 

The National Programs Branch of the NMSP coordinates a Science Council consisting of 

headquarters and regional representatives, and site Research Coordinators implement 

conservation science initiatives related to planning, site-based monitoring, site characterizations, 

and targeted scientific research. A Science Plan, as well as science needs documents and a 

framework for system-wide monitoring provide guidance for establishing the program’s 

scientific foundation, enable it to accomplish priority tasks, and contribute to the annual planning 

process for the sites and the national program. The Science Plan stresses the need for effective 

programs of site assessment, research and resource monitoring at local, regional and national 

levels to identify information needs, track emerging threats, manage risks, and provide input to 

inform policy. In addition, it is integrated with NMSP education and outreach efforts. Feedback 

from these functional elements, in turn, bears on annual and longer-term science priorities and 

efforts. In combination, the NMSP can address the diverse needs of its broad resource protection 

mandate. 

OPERATING PRINCIPLES OF THE CONSERVATION SCIENCE PROGRAM 

• Site assessment and characterization data allow managers to better understand the 

protected natural and cultural resources and important environmental processes and 

threats in the NMSs. This enables effective policy development, risk management, and 

threat reduction as well as enhance education and outreach programs of the NMSs. 

• Monitoring data are acquired and compiled, allowing managers to establish baseline 

conditions and discern trends including changes in resources caused by management 

actions so they may effectively conserve, enhance, and restore habitats and ecosystems, 

as well as contribute to larger-scale ocean observing systems. 

• Research results demonstrate linkages between nature and human activities, and 

contribute to effective resource management by facilitating information-based decisionmaking. 

2
SCIENCE PRIORITIES 

Priority issues are identified each spring in discussions involving sanctuary managers, research 

coordinators, and national program staff. Annual priorities not only provide direction for 

research efforts, but also establish the framework for annual operating plans, which in turn affect 

budget planning. Two examples of current priority conservation science areas include the 

implementation of a system-wide approach to resource monitoring and a focus on sanctuary site 

characterizations. As an example of how this affects sanctuary operations, design approaches 

established for sanctuary monitoring were recently applied to the development of a plan for 

assessing the effectiveness of marine reserves in the Channel Islands NMS. The results of these 

evaluations will be critical to decisions about location and sizing of future reserves and in 

modifying existing reserves to better protect and restore ecosystems. Our efforts to produce 

comprehensive characterizations for all sanctuaries will result in tools that will guide 

management, inform the public, and meet performance measures and Congressional 

requirements for adequate characterizations throughout the NMSP. 

Most sanctuaries develop annual research plans that address site-specific and national research 

priorities. Some do so in cooperation with informal or formal advisory groups. For example, 

Monterey Bay NMS has a Research Activities Panel that convenes regularly to discuss issues 

related to research in the sanctuary and assists the site in development of its plans. Smaller sites, 

like the Flower Garden Banks NMS, have informal groups of advisors that may not meet, but are 

called on to review and comment on various plans and reports, and may provide 

recommendations to the sites. In other cases, like the Olympic Coast NMS, annual information 

transfer and planning meetings may be held. In addition to enhancing communication between 

investigators working in sanctuaries, these meetings allow the sites to compile research reports, 

stimulate interest in sanctuary research, obtain input on priority research areas, convey 

management-related research needs to the scientific community, and plan for future years. 

SCIENCE FUNDING AND COLLABORATION 

Some funding for research programs comes from individual sanctuary budgets, but the majority 

of funding comes from other NOAA line offices (e.g., the National Centers for Coastal Ocean 

Science) and programs (e.g., Coral Reef Conservation Program), other governmental agencies 

and the private sector. Generally speaking, very little research, either intramural or extramural, 

is funded directly from sanctuary budgets. In FY05, NMSP funds for research and monitoring 

totaled $4.7M at all sanctuaries (12% of the Program budget). 

 

Considerable effort is focused on facilitating research in sanctuaries through offers of logistical 

support, including free use of sanctuary boats and field stations, and arranging for time aboard 

NOAA ships. The sites, as well as national staff, also work with other agencies to provide 

incentive for investigators proposing work in sanctuaries. For example, the scientific guidance 

distributed annually to the regional centers funded by NOAA’s National Undersea Research 

Program contains discussions of the research priorities of NMSP. In addition, NMSP program 

staff are working with the U.S. Geological Survey to enhance USGS efforts related to site 

characterizations in the sanctuaries. Private sector partnerships are developed at both the local 

3
and national levels. For example, several oil companies have actively supported research at the 

Flower Garden Banks NMS through donations to a non-profit support organization called the 

Flower Gardens Fund (part of the Gulf of Mexico Foundation). At the national level, a five-year 

partnership with National Geographic resulted in the high profile Sustainable Seas Expeditions. 

Environmental Systems Research, Inc. (ESRI) donated comprehensive GIS software packages to 

each site to enhance the Protected Area GIS (PAGIS) initiative. Non-profit organizations also 

support sanctuary research. The Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute conducts 

considerable research in that region. The Reef Environmental Education Foundation (REEF) 

conducts fish censuses in almost all sanctuaries, providing data for site characterizations, 

monitoring, and specific issues such as zone effectiveness. 

Scientific results are disseminated in numerous ways, depending on their content, level of 

specificity, and potential application. Some are used to generate internal management-support 

products through GIS databases (primarily integrated maps), time-series graphics, and predictive 

models. Many prepared reports are reviewed and published in the Marine Sanctuaries 

Conservation Series, a periodic technical report of the NMSP, or technical journals of partner 

organizations. These reports, like most information published by the Program, are available in 

print and on the organization websites. In some cases, project data are also available from 

partner websites. For example, fish census data can be obtained from the REEF website and 

reports can be prepared interactively for any region of the country. Many research projects result 

in publication in peer-reviewed scientific journals. In some cases, journals have prepared special 

issues on sanctuary science (e.g. Gulf of Mexico Science, Marine Technology Society Journal). 

Sanctuary websites are rich sources of data and information on NMSP science. Monterey Bay 

NMS, with funds from the David and Lucile Packard Foundation and the support of its many 

research partners, developed a particularly impressive website as part of the Sanctuary Integrated 

Monitoring Network (SIMoN, http://www.mbnms-simon.org/). It provides extensive 

information about past and on-going projects and results, has interactive mapping capabilities 

and in-depth descriptions of sanctuary resources, and provides appropriate links to sources of 

additional information or data. The NMSP is working to expand the capabilities of SIMoN to 

marine sanctuaries throughout the country. 

4
NMSP CONSERVATION SCIENCE IN ACTION 

On the following pages are individual examples of management issues that have been addressed 

using various types of information derived from scientific observations and investigations in 

marine sanctuaries. They represent, of course, only a fraction of the issues that a marine 

sanctuary manager must face, but they illustrate a range of management issues, scientific 

approaches, and products required by managers to make informed decisions about activities and 

policies necessary to protect sanctuary resources. They also illustrate the variety of partners 

participating in sanctuary science and resource management, the variety of decision tools 

available, and the many response alternatives available. 

In many cases, the scientific information used to support a management action is obtained and 

made available to the NMSP by scientists from other Federal or State agencies, or academic 

institutions and not by staff scientists. Furthermore, the ultimate management action is often 

implemented by another resource management entity, but in consultation with NMSP staff and in 

the interest of protecting sanctuary resources. So while these examples represent only a subset of 

issues addressed by sanctuary managers, they provide a glimpse into the highly collaborative and 

cooperative approach used to meet the resource protection responsibilities of the National Marine 

Sanctuary Program. 

5
6

For more information:. 

http://www.cinms.nos.noaa.gov/marineres/mrs.html

Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary 

Management Issue 

Advancing the Science and Policy of Marine Reserves 

The Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary (Sanctuary) and the State of California (State) sponsored a four year 

community-based process, supported by a Science Advisory Panel (SAP), to address a long-term decline in the health 

of the Channel Islands marine ecosystem. The local community recommended marine reserves (no-take zones) as 

one solution to protect and restore natural habitats and living resources and to provide undisturbed reference areas for 

ecosystem-based research and education. The best available ecological and socio-economic data were applied to 

design and evaluate marine reserve network options. Spatial modeling supported the scientific and community 

evaluation of options. 

Information Needs 

• Habitat type and distribution data 

(e.g. kelp forest, rocky reef, 

coastline, emergent rocks) 

• Spatial data on consumptive (e.g. 

commercial and sport fishing) and 

non-consumptive (e.g. recreational 

diving) uses 

• Fish, invertebrate, algae, marine 

mammal, and seabird life history 

data 

Scientific Approach and Actions 

• The SAP, representing multiple 

disciplines, agencies and 

institutions, developed ecological 

criteria for marine reserve design 

and evaluation 

• Team of NOAA socio-economists 

collected spatially explicit user information and analyzed impacts of different options 

• Application of SPEXAN, a modeling program, to identify conservation “hot spots” and evaluate design options. 

• Development of the Channel Islands Spatial Support and Analysis Tool, a geospatial modeling tool that 

stakeholders used to visualize, query and apply ecological and socio-economic data to generate marine reserve 

network options 

Key Partners and Information Sources 

California Department of Fish and Game, NOAA National Marine Fisheries Service, NOAA Coastal Services Center, 

US Geological Survey, Channel Islands National Park, University of California Santa Barbara’s Marine Science 

Institute, Partnership for Interdisciplinary Studies of Coastal Oceans, Pfleger Institute of Environmental Research, 

Sanctuary Advisory Council and Marine Reserves Working Group 

Results and Decision Support Products 

• GIS Database containing Sanctuary habitat, living marine resource and human use data 

• Channel Islands Spatial Support and Analysis Tool 

• Ecological criteria for reserve design and impact analysis 

• Socioeconomic baseline information for impact analysis and monitoring 

Management Response 

• In 2003, the State established a network of 10 marine reserves and two marine conservation areas, including 100 

sq. nautical miles of nearshore habitats in the Sanctuary. This is the largest network of marine reserves along the 

west coast of the United States. 

• The Sanctuary may extend the network into deeper waters to capture the full suite of Sanctuary habitats

• The State and Sanctuary developed biological and socio-economic monitoring plans to evaluate the effectiveness 

of the network; established cooperative enforcement protocols with the U.S. Coast Guard and National Park 

Service; produced brochures, signage and presentations to inform commercial and recreational users and the 

general public.
7

For more information:. 

http://www.cinms.nos.noaa.gov/welcome.html

Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary 

Management Issue 

Emergency Response 

Channel Islands NMS is a designated first responder for the region within and around the Sanctuary. The CINMS Lake 

Seawolf aircraft is used for initial reconnaissance and mapping missions after incidents such as oil spills and vessel 

groundings. The CINMS also uses two vessel platforms, a 28’ Wilson fast response boat, and R/V Shearwater, a 62’ 

catameran research vessel to carry response personnel to an incident for on water surveys, SCUBA surveys, and 

pollution testing and sampling. CINMS staff are trained in Hazardous Waste Prevention and Emergency Response, 

Shoreline Cleanup and Assesment Training, Offshore Hazardous Environment Operations, Geographic Information 

Systems (GIS), Global Positioning Systems (GPS), and Remote Sensing. 

Information Needs 

• Physical features: bathymetry; topography; shorelines; geology. 

• Biological features: habitats; flora and fauna species distributions; key and endangered species. 

• Oceanographic: surface and subsurface currents; tides; sea surface temperatures. 

• Socioeconomic: historic shipwrecks, sensitive cultural resources, commercial and recreational use areas. 

Scientific Approach and Actions 

• Aerial Mapping: Aerial surveys are recorded in the 

Sanctuary Aerial Monitoring and Spatial Analysis 

Program (SAMSAP) in real-time. GIS maps of 

conditions, affected resources, slick extent, and 

slick migration projections are created and 

distributed to responders. 

• NOAA buoy and satellite data are used and 

combined with GIS maps to create imagery and 

remotely sensed analyses of current and projected 

conditions that affect response. 

Key Partners and Information Sources 

NOAA agencies: HAZMAT, National Data Buoy Center, Coastwatch, National Environmental Satellite Data & 

Information Service, & National Weather Service; Other agencies: US Coast Guard, US Navy, National Park Service, 

California Department of Fish & Game Office of Spill Prevention & Response, Minerals Management Service. 

Decision Support Products 

• Sanctuary Aerial Monitoring and Spatial Analysis Program software 

• Maps (physical, biological, socioeconomic); remotely sensed imagery; resources at risk; ocean current profiles; 

priority response areas; risk migration; long term analysis. 

Management Response 

3⁄4 Fast response capability with two vessels and an aircraft; portable GIS/GPS survey software (SAMSAP) with 

multi-platform capability; full GIS / Remote Sensing analysis capability; trained response personnel; “grab and go” 

emergency response packs with data recording equipment (e.g., GPS units) and sample collection equipment.; 

24 hour emergency pager. 

3⁄4 Alaska Airlines Flight 261 crash response: CINMS provided initial and ongoing scientific support to the emergency 

response during search and rescue and salvage and recovery efforts in response to the crash. CINMS staff 

provided initial bathymetry maps, seafloor obstruction data, Remotely Operated Vehicle imagery and debris 

tracking data. CINMS personnel worked in aerial and on-water survey crews. 

3⁄4 Vessel groundings and oil spills: CINMS provides the US Coast Guard with aerial reconnaissance of vessel 

groundings and oil spills, photographing and mapping damage, leaking fuels, and resources at risk. Using 

oceanographic data provided by NOAA technology (buoys, satellites, etc.), staff create GIS products to monitor 

and track state of resources before, during, and after the event. CINMS also conducts site damage assessments 

on water, via SCUBA, and on the shoreline. 
8

For more information: NCCOS. 2005. A biogeographic assessment of the Channel Islands 

National Marine Sanctuary: A review of boundary expansion concepts for NOAA’s 

National Marine Sanctuary Program. NOAA Tech. Memorandum NOS NCCOS 21. 215 pp. 

Additional information can be found at: http://ccma.nos.noaa.gov/products/biogeography/cinms/report.html

Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary 

Management Issue:

Evaluate Boundary Alternatives through Biogeographic Assessment 

Channel Islands NMS was designated in 1980 and encompasses a large area of rocky coastline, kelp beds, and sea 

floor located off the coast of southern California. The islands and surrounding waters were selected as a Sanctuary 

due to their unique geological formations, natural resources, and cultural significance. At the time of Sanctuary 

designation, its boundaries extended from mean high tide offshore to a distance of six nautical miles. This area was 

selected to provide adequate protection of the resource given the limited information on the spatial distribution of 

threats, uses, biota, and habitats that was available at the time. NOAA's National Marine Sanctuary Program (NMSP) 

and CINMS are currently considering six alternatives for adjusting Sanctuary boundaries. Identifying how the six 

options overlay with the distribution of biotic and habitat resources is a critical component of assessing their 

effectiveness for meeting sanctuary objectives. 

Information Needs 

• Data compilation to identify spatially important areas for species 

and communities 

• Analysis of the existing data for patterns or trends in the 

distribution of marine associated fauna 

• Modeling the distribution of selected species in areas with 

insufficient data to ascertain likely distributions 

• Using patterns and trends to understand the biogeography of the 

region in general 

• Determine how these patterns and trends relate to proposed 

Sanctuary boundary alternatives 

Scientific Approach and Actions 

• Gather existing spatial biological and environmental data 

• Evaluate data extent, quality, and position relative to alternative boundary options 

• Produce modeling, data integration, and quantitative assessment of biotic and habitat resources for each 

boundary scenario 

Key Partners and Information Sources 

National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science, Center for Coastal Monitoring and Assessment, Channel Islands National 

Marine Sanctuary, Office of National Marine Sanctuaries, University of California, Santa Barbara, and Southern 

California Coastal Water Research Project Authority (SCCWRP) 

Results and Decision Support Products 

• Technical report on the biogeographic 

assessment of CINMS and surrounding waters 

• Rank of proposed boundary concepts to favor 

areas of high primary productivity that are 

typically associated with high species richness 

and diversity. 

Management Response 

The sanctuary is informing stakeholder 

communities about the utility and availability of 

these products. The results of the assessments are 

being incorporated into a CINMS Supplemental 

EIS. The products will also be used to support 

science and education, and to inform other spatially 

explicit management decisions.
9

 

. 

 

Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary 

Management Issue 

Evaluating Potential Displacement of a Network of Marine Reserves 

The Sanctuary Aerial Monitoring and Spatial Analysis Program (SAMSAP) is designed to monitor and analyze physical 

and anthropogenic phenomena within the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary. Aerial surveys of the sanctuary 

are conducted as weather conditions allow, in a Lake Amphibian aircraft. A GPS collection strategy used onboard the 

aircraft allows real time data collection vital to management and resource protection. The information is used to 

monitor kelp distribution, marine mammal populations and migration patterns, and general ecosystem health within the 

sanctuary. Surveys of vessel traffic and vessel type allow historic and current anthropogenic use patterns to be 

studied. 

The sanctuary recently used data collected by SAMSAP to examine the socioeconomic impacts that could result from 

an extension of the existing state network of marine protected areas (MPAs) into federal, deeper waters. The analysis 

of vessel observations between 1997 and 2004 evaluates potential displacement of fishing effort for a suite of spatial 

alternatives. The results are included as part of a comprehensive environmental impact statement. 

Scientific Approach 

• Vessel observations were delineated from other observed phenomena and converted into a GIS layer. 

• The impact analysis was conducted within a GIS, which included vessel observations within the sanctuary and the 

two alternatives. 

• The distribution of vessels within the two alternatives was quantified. 

Results 

• The greatest vessel activity 

occurred in the sanctuary’s 

state waters, where no new 

MPAs are proposed. Over 

91% of the 7,094 observed 

vessels were located in State 

waters. 

• 15.1% of observed vessels 

occurred in the existing state 

MPA network. 

• A small proportion of 

observed vessels were 

located in the additional, 

deeper waters proposed in 

the two alternatives. The 

preferred alternative 

contained 1% of all vessel 

observations, while 

Alternative 1 contained 2% of 

all observations. 

Management Response 

• The SAMSAP analysis concluded that little vessel activity occurs in the Sanctuary’s deeper, federal waters, 

indicating that neither alternative would likely result in a significant, negative impact on consumptive activities.

• SAMSAP was instrumental in forecasting and characterizing any potential displacement of fishing effort and will 

continue to be used to monitor sanctuary use and resource status.
10

For more information: 

http://www.fagatelebay.noaa.gov

Fagatele Bay National Marine Sanctuary 

Management Issue 

Are Watersheds Driving Change and Recovery on American Samoa’s Coral Reefs? 

The coral reefs of Fagatele Bay National Marine Sanctuary and 

American Samoa have shown steady recovery from coral damage 

caused by cyclones, predation by crown-of-thorns starfish outbreaks, 

and blast fishing that have occurred over the last 25 years. H

this recovery has been uneven around the island of Tutuila, wh

the Sanctuary is located. In addition, the size of fish and their 

numbers have not paralleled the increases in the benthic 

communities. Resource managers in American Samoa debate 

whether the recovery of fish populations is limited by land-derived 

stresses or by fishing pressure. Fagatele Bay NMS is an important 

tool for investigating this issue. 

owever, 

ere 

Information Needs 

The extent to which watersheds are influencing fish and coral populations around Tutuila Island and within the 

Sanctuary; ranking of watersheds based on criteria that may influence coastal conditions, combined with a quantitative 

assessment of adjacent coral reef ecosystem conditions. 

Scientific Approach and Actions 

No single agency or research effort in American Samoa has both 

the watershed and marine ecosystem expertise to address this 

issue at present. However, existing data collected by different 

resource agencies in American Samoa was combined to obtain a 

correlation between indicators of watershed and coral reef 

condition. The results of this initial study can help stimulate and 

guide new collaborative investigations of how watersheds and 

fishing are influencing coral reefs in American Samoa. 

Key Partners and Information Sources 

American Samoa Environmental Protection Agency, American Samoa Department of Marine and Wildlife Resources, 

American Samoa Department of Commerce. 

Results and Decision Support Products 

• Compared to other sites in American Samoa, Fagatele Bay NMS ranks high in coral cover and high in fish species 

richness. 

• Fagatele Bay has relatively few large fish and thus ranks low in fish biomass. 

• Coral cover, fish species richness and fish biomass show no statistical relationship to watershed area and human 

population density adjacent to the sites studied. 

• Factors other than those related to human population in watersheds are controlling coral and fish populations. 

• Data are needed on the intensity of fishing pressure at the different study sites, as well as runoff rates into coastal 

areas adjacent to the different watersheds. 

Management Response 

This simple mining of existing data within different American Samoa Government Agencies shows the need to build 

collaborative, multi-agency programs to better understand the drivers of coral reef condition in American Samoa. This 

may best be achieved though the Coral Reef Advisory Group (CRAG), whose members include all the AS Government 

agencies with marine resource management efforts. An Interagency Cooperative Agreement has been drafted to 

formalize better collaboration and is under review by the CRAG partners. However, the informal collaborations built by 

Fagatele Bay NMS science and education staff have already been successful in enhancing awareness of local agency 

resources, showing how these resources can be used to address marine management issues and creating wider 

understanding of the condition of American Samoa’s marine environment. 
11

 Information from: Cowie-Haskell, B.D., and J.M. Delaney. 2003. Integrating science into 

the design of the Tortugas Ecological Reserve. Mar. Technol. Soc. J. 37: 68-79. 

http://floridakeys.noaa.gov/tortugas/welcome.html

Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary 

Management Issue

Designing the Tortugas Ecological Reserve 

Implementation of marine reserves in the U.S. is a contentious environmental 

issue because of the deeply rooted tradition of treating the oceans as a 

commons to be exploited with impunity. As an ocean conservation ethic 

evolves in the U.S. and as natural resources become more scarce, there is 

greater acceptance of marine reserves as a legitimate approach to 

conservation. However, there are currently few fully protected marine reserves 

in the U.S. that can be used as examples of success, either because they have 

not been implemented long enough to show positive benefits or they are poorly designed and managed. The Tortugas 

2000 Working Group reviewed available scientific and socioeconomic information and made a recommendation to 

NOAA on the size, shape, and placement of the Tortugas Ecological Reserve. 

Information Needs 

• A site characterization for the Tortugas region, focusing on oceanography, benthic habitats, and fisheries 

• Geographic Information Systems (GIS) based data sets that integrate biological and human-use information 

• Public and Working Group input on and responses to scientific information on ecological and socioeconomic 

aspects of the area 

Scientific Approach and Actions 

• Scientific literature review and expert consultation: White 

papers commissioned by NOAA and the National Park 

Service to provide the Working Group and other interested 

parties with up-to-date information on oceanography, fish and 

fisheries, spatial extent of natural resources (e.g., deepwater 

coral banks), and connectivity of Tortugas area to broader 

region. 

• Map resources and uses at a fine scale (1 sq. nautical mile) 

to facilitate decision-making. 

• Synthesize existing scientific information and traditional knowledge 

• Convene multi-stakeholder working group, including scientists, to draft boundary alternatives based on best 

available information 

Key Partners and Information Sources 

National Park Service, Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science (Univ. of Miami), Pfleger Institute of 

Environmental Research, Environmental Defense, NOAA National Marine Fisheries Service, NOAA Atlantic 

Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory, Chief Economist of the National Marine Sanctuary Program, NOAA 

National Undersea Research Center-Univ. of North Carolina at Wilmington, recreational and commercial users. 

Results and Decision Support Products 

• GIS mapping tool to evaluate different boundary scenarios 

• Maps of oceanic circulation, potential larval retention regions, benthic 

habitats, biological resources, and human uses 

• Location of a regionally significant reef fish spawning aggregation sites 

Management Response

The Florida Keys NMS convened two informational forums to: (1) present to 

the Working Group and others the best-available scientific information on 

ecological and socioeconomic aspects of the area, (2) allow community members to share their knowledge of and experience in the Tortugas region, and (3) 

inform the Working Group about uses of the area. The Working Group’s 

consensus agreement on a recommended preferred alternative set the stage 

for the many approvals required from the seven state and federal agencies that had oversight over the implementation 

of different jurisdictional components of the Tortugas Ecological Reserve; full implementation occurred on July 1, 2001 

of the two areas (Tortugas North and South) that comprise the reserve.

 
12

 Information from: Cox, C., and J.H. Hunt. 2005. Change in size and abundance of Caribbean 

spiny lobsters Panulirus argus in a marine reserve in the Florida Keys National Marine 

Sanctuary, USA. Mar. Ecol. Prog. Ser. 294: 227-239. 

http://www.sanctuaries.noaa.gov/sos05/floridakeys_lobster.html

Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary 

Management Issue: 

Effectiveness of a Marine Reserve: Spiny Lobster 

Spiny lobsters support one of Florida’s most economically important commercial 

fisheries and a large recreational fishery. Historically, spiny lobsters were not 

considered good candidates for protection in reserves because of their migratory 

nature. Studies in the Florida Keys have found that, depending upon their 

location and size, reserves may protect juveniles until they mature and enter the 

fishery, and protect or enhance existing spawning stock. 

Information Needs 

• Whether the size and shape of the reserve relative to the home range of 

spiny lobster and the location of key habitats is sufficient for protection 

• Whether the spawning potential of spiny lobsters is increasing through increasing abundance and/or size within 

the reserve relative to an adjacent fished area 

Scientific Approach and Actions 

Field observations and measurements collected within the 

Western Sambo Ecological Reserve and at Pelican Shoal (fished) 

Key Partners and Information Sources 

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Fish and 

Wildlife Research Institute 

Results and Decision Support Products 

• Reports to FKNMS staff 

• Presentation to the Sanctuary Advisory Council 

• Publication in a peer-reviewed scientific journal 

Management Response 

Sanctuary managers, the Sanctuary Advisory 

Council, and the public have data showing the 

build-up in abundance (top panel) and size (bottom 

panel) in the Western Sambo Ecological Reserve 

relative to Pelican Shoal (open to the lobster 

fishery). These data support a success with 

respect to one of the primary purposes of the 

ecological reserve – to protect ecosystem function, 

in this case by restoring the ecological role of spiny 

lobster to a more natural, unfished condition. The 

studies are part of a longer term approach to 

evaluate effectiveness of reserves of differing sizes 

and shapes for different resources throughout the 

Florida Keys and elsewhere in the system of marin

sanctuaries. 

e 

 
13

For more information: 

http://old.incidentnews.gov/incidents/SS_2005.htm

Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary 

Management Issue 

Emergency Response Planning in the Florida Keys 

NOAA’s National Marine Sanctuaries Program and Office of Response and 

Restoration, in partnership with the U.S. Coast Guard, the State of Florida, 

and others, conducted an emergency response exercise in the Florida Keys 

NMS in April 2005. Called Safe Sanctuaries 2005, the exercise was d

from most response drills as it was driven primarily by NOAA trustee an

emergency response mandates. The exercise highlighted NOAA’s scie

including the ability to deliver data, observations, forecasts, and expertise 

during emergencies threatening life, commerce, and the environment. Experience and training gained is being applied 

in other sanctuaries and NOAA-wide to enhance efficiency and effectiveness of response actions. 

ifferent 

d 

nce, 

Information Needs 

• High resolution bathymetric charts to identify details of coral reef habitat and sunken historical resources. 

• Ocean and meteorological observation systems to measure operating conditions in real-time. 

• Integrating ocean/atmospheric observations with models to support multi-agency emergency response decisions. 

• Ground truth surveys to validate models and determine potential injury to benthic habitats, shoreline communities 

and historic resources. 

Scientific Approach and Actions 

Scientific literature reviews and expert meetings were conducted to evaluate response actions. Computer simulation 

models were combined with real-time observing systems to forecast weather and pollution transport. Model forecast 

were validated with field observation using drift cards to simulate pollution transport. Geo-databases (SHIELDS/RUST) 

were populated and queried to identify potential pollution sources, sensitive resources, and to track response 

strategies. Bathymetric surveys were conducted with data processing completed at sea and transmitted to the 

command post in real time. 

Key Partners and Information Sources 

U.S. Coast Guard, Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Service, 

Monroe County, National Park Service, Titan Maritime Industries, Inc., Clean Caribbean Americas, Genwest Systems, 

Inc., NOAA Ocean Service, NOAA Weather Service, NOAA Environmental Satellite Service, NOAA Research, NOAA 

National Marine Fisheries Service, NOAA Marine and Aviation Operations, NOAA Office of Public, Constituent and 

Intergovernmental Affairs, NOAA Office of Legislative Affairs. 

Results and Decision Support Products 

• High resolution charts delineating vessel salvage and 

resource impacts. 

• Maps of biological communities and maritime heritage 

sites recommended for protection. 

• Real-time current, weather, and pollution forecasts. 

• Sanctuaries Hazardous Incident Emergency Logistics 

Database System (SHIELDS) and Resources and Under 

Sea Threats (RUST) information systems. 

• Field survey data from shoreline and coral reef areas. 

Management Response 

During the response, a multi-agency unified command 

(Federal, State, and private) identified response options for oil spills in especially sensitive habitats, interagency 

operating protocols, and new applications of NOAA real-time data and products. Information gained is being 

incorporated into local area response plans. NOAA programs are updating operational plans, including safety training, 

internal communications, and agency-wide concept of operations. 
14

For more Information: 

http://www.darrp.noaa.gov/partner/mini312/index.html

Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary 

Management Issue

Restoration Tools for Injured Seagrass 

Communities 

Seagrass communities are key to healthy ecosystems in the 

Florida Keys NMS. Seagrass habitat is frequently destroyed by 

human activities such as vessel groundings and dredging. 

NOAA’s response to incidents damaging seagrass includes 

injury assessment, restoration, and monitoring, each of which 

requires understanding of natural dynamics of seagrasses and 

their habitats and patterns of natural recovery. Case settlement 

and litigation require data to support economic assessments 

that determine the value of lost resource services between the 

time of injury and the time of full recovery. 

Information Needs 

• Seagrass recovery rates under various environmental conditions, differing levels of injury severity, and using 

various techniques for recovery enhancement (infilling, transplantation, and fertilization by attracting seabirds 

using perches). 

• Models of recovery to support Habitat Equivalency Analysis (HEA) 

Scientific Approach and Actions 

Empirical assessments of rates of recolonization and lateral growth using in-water and aerial data; literature reviews to 

support modeling and HEA; post-restoration monitoring of restored sites. 

Key Partners and Information Sources 

NOAA National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science; NOAA 

Damage Assessment Center; NOAA General Council for Natural 

Resources; Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission; 

Fish and Wildlife Research Institute 

 

Results and Decision Support Products 

• Multiple peer reviewed journal publications on seagrass 

recovery by Kenworthy and others 

• ARC GIS and statistical spatial models by Fonseca and others 

• HEA-support recovery model and Mini-312 program by Kirsch 

and others 

Management Response 

Seagrass restoration studies have led to dramatically improved 

techniques that reduce collateral damage caused by the 

offending action, mitigate 

further degradation of injury 

sites, and enhance recovery 

rates beyond those that 

would occur naturally. 

Recovery models are used 

in all seagrass cases that 

mployed during litigation in 

the prosecution of physical injury cases, and have enabled recovery of damages 

accordance with model projections. Efforts are underway to modify and apply th

tools to injuries in coral and rocky intertidal habitats.

require physical restoration, h

in 

ese 

ave been successfully e

Thalassia testudinum short-shoot count

0 90 180 270 360 450 540 630 720

Short-shoots +/- 1 SD (0.0625 m2)

0

5

10

15

20

25

Control

Fill

No Fill Syringodium filiforme short-shoot count

Time (days)

0 90 180 270 360 450 540 630 720

Short-shoots +/- 1 SD (0.0625 m2)

0

20

40

60

80

100

Sept '00 Aug '02

Grounding sites (exposed sand) in seagrass meadows. 

Seabird on fertilization station. 

 

or jud.kenworthy@noaa.gov
15

Information from Emergency Response Action Plan 

FGBNMS Management Plan. For more information: 

http://sanctuaries.nos.noaa.gov/management/mpr/welcome.html

Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary 

Management Issue

Dispersant Use for Oil Spill Response 

The Flower Garden Banks NMS helped develop a regional response 

plan for spills, part of which was consideration of “pre-approval” for the 

use of dispersants within and near the sanctuary, a change to preexisting guidance, which excluded its use over the banks. Allowing 

dispersant use in order to promote dilution and microbial degradation, 

even under appropriate conditions, would move oil from the surface 

into the water column, and potentially to the bottom, either of which 

could put sanctuary resources at greater risk than leaving the oil on the 

surface and recovering it using other means (booms and skimmers, for 

example). 

Information Needs 

• Dispersal characteristics of oil with and without dispersants under 

varying oceanographic and meteorological conditions (e.g., 

concentration by depth) 

• Toxicity test results for dispersed oil and dispersants for eggs, 

larvae and adults, especially for species indigenous to the Gulf or Mexico and similar to those found at the Flower 

Gardens 

• Data on the effectiveness of impact minimization efforts in offshore environments (surface oil removal efficiency, 

dilution and degradation rates) 

Scientific Approach and Actions 

Scientific literature review and expert consultation 

Field observations and measurements made during test application during Mega 

Borg oil spill (1990) 

Spill risk assessments (i.e. projected movement rates) using local oceanographic 

and meteorological data 

Key Partners and Information Sources 

Regional Response Team, NOAA Hazmat, Environmental Protection Agency, 

Minerals Management Service, National Ocean Industries Association, National 

Research Council, Geochemical and Environmental Research Group, Texas 

A&M University 

Decision Support Products 

• Sanctuary risk contour 

maps for 1-day, 3-day, 

and 10-day spill movement, based on projected trajectories 

using data on seasonal winds and currents 

• Recommendation memo for NOAA representative to Regional 

Response Team 

Management Response 

Policy revision by NOAA in 1994 to facilitate dispersant use in the 

event that the Federal On-Scene Coordinator deems it appropriate, 

requesting application as far as possible from the sanctuary, avoiding 

use during certain key timeframes (e.g. seasonal species 

gatherings), consulting sanctuary management, and forwarding 

incident related data afterward.
16

 For more information: 

http://www.csc.noaa.gov/cz/CZ05_Proceedings_CD/pdf%20files/Schmahl.pdf

Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary 

Management Issue

Habitat Protection in the Northwestern Gulf of Mexico 

Some of the undersea banks in the northwestern Gulf of Mexico are inadequately protected from certain human 

impacts, such as habitat destruction caused by vessel anchoring, treasure salvage, and destructive fishing techniques 

(e.g. bottom-tending trawls and longlines). The Flower Garden Banks NMS provided boundary recommendations to 

the Gulf of Mexico Fisheries Management Council for consideration as designated Habitat Areas of Particular Concern 

(HAPC) and Coral Habitats for numerous banks in the northwestern Gulf of Mexico. 

Information Needs 

• High resolution bathymetric charts to identify detail of Essential 

Fish Habitat and other particularly sensitive habitat types 

• Groundtruthing surveys to determine benthic habitat 

characteristics, communities, and associated fish populations 

Scientific Approach and Actions 

Scientific literature review of historic investigations led to the acquisition 

of approximately 4000 sq. km of high resolution multibeam bathymetry 

of reefs and banks in the northwestern Gulf of Mexico. Groundtruthing 

cruises resulted in 175 Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) surveys, 

collection of 250 samples, and the collection of 8500 high resolution 

digital images. A searchable spatial database was produced during 

analysis of the images. The database inventories all biological 

components identified in the images. 

Key Partners and Information Sources 

U.S. Geological Survey, University of New Hampshire, NOAA’s Office 

of Ocean Exploration, Minerals Management Service, NOAA National 

Marine Fisheries Service, Gulf of Mexico Fisheries Management 

Council. 

Results and Decision Support Products 

• Habitat characterizations produced for several banks to identify 

areas recommended for protection 

• High resolution multibeam charts, delineating boundary 

recommendations 

• Images of biological communities recommended for protection 

Management Response 

The Gulf of Mexico Fisheries Management 

Council has recommended to NOAA National 

Marine Fisheries Service the designation of 

Habitat Areas of Particular Concern and Coral 

Habitats in the northwestern Gulf of Mexico 

based on boundary recommendations provided 

by the Flower Garden Banks National Marine 

Sanctuary. These designations will result in 

critical protections for these sensitive and 

unique habitats.

Deep-water assemblage commonly found on 

banks of the northwestern Gulf of Mexico 

High resolution image of submerged features on the 

outer continental shelf (depth in meters) (USGS) 

HAPC boundary recommendations provided to the Gulf of Mexico Fisheries 

Management Council 
17

Information from Emergency Response Action Plan 

GRNMS Management Plan. For more information: 

http://graysreef.nos.noaa.gov

Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary 

Management Issue

Habitat Map and Public Process Used to Guide 

Development of a Marine Research Area Concept 

Information on the status and natural variability of resource components, species, 

and systems is essential for the informed management and is necessary to 

adequately differentiate between human-induced and natural change. Important 

research questions at Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary, including those 

related to human impacts on bottom-dwelling living resources, can only be 

addressed by studying an area in which these activities can be controlled. The 

concept of a Research Area was developed through comments obtained in public 

scoping for the Gray’s Reef Draft Management Plan, resource and research 

workshops, and a recommendation from the Gray’s Reef Sanctuary Advisory 

Council. The concept was further developed by convening a consensus-driven 

workshop comprised of constituents and experts. The group applied a sciencebased analytical tool to determine potential placement and size of such an area. 

Information Needs 

• Information on the bathymetry (bottom topography) of the site by collection of multibeam bathymetry 

• Position and geographically referenced information relative to the location and size of persistent bottom features 

(e.g. ledges) which are important to key species in Gray’s Reef collected by side-scanning sonar 

• Spatial data of sites that are frequented by recreational fishermen in order to minimize their displacement 

• Geo-referenced information related to sites in the sanctuary that have been used historically for research 

Scientific Approach and Actions 

A working group composed of sanctuary users, scientists, law 

enforcement, regional planners, educators and sanctuary staff was 

convened. The “Research Area Working Group” (RAWG) utilized a 

facilitated, consensus-driven process where issues, considerations, a

concerns on potential placement and size of a research area were 

discussed at length by all participants. Placement prioritizations were 

determined by consensus and comments were recorded. Habitat maps 

that had been developed from data collected by multibeam and sidescanning sonar and ground-truthed by divers and towed video were 

used to develop a GIS-based analysis tool to maximize the number of 

high quality ledges, include the most number of previous research sites 

and minimize the displacement of recreational fishermen. 

nd 

 

Key Partners and Information Sources 

NOAA National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science, Regional planners, South Atlantic Fisheries Management Council 

(SAFMC), Georgia Department of Natural Resources, College of Charleston, Coastal Conservation Association (CCA), 

Reef Environmental Education Foundation (REEF), South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. 

 

Results and Decision Support Products 

• A GIS based Research Area analysis tool that was used to contribute to consensus-driven efforts to define a 

research area and which can be used for the public processes as the concept moves forward. 

• Recommendations to both the Sanctuary Advisory Council (SAC) and to management of Gray’s Reef NMS. 

Management Response 

Recommendations made by the RAWG were adopted in total by the SAC and were further recommended to Gray’s 

Reef management. Gray’s Reef management will additionally consider the implications, placement and 

implementation of a Research Area and take the concept to the next step of public involvement according to the 

National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). 
18

Information from S.S. Luckenbach and Associated Spills DARP and EIS 

GFNMS draft Management Plan. For more information: 

http://sanctuaries.nos.noaa.gov/management/mpr/welcome.html

Gulf of the Farallones National Marine Sanctuary 

Management Issue

Reduction of Chronic Oil Pollution: Clean up of the Sunken Vessel, S.S. Jacob 

Luckenbach 

On July 14, 1953, the freighter S.S. Jacob Luckenbach collided 

with another vessel and sank in the Gulf of the Farallones NMS. 

As it decayed on the ocean floor, it leaked oil and became the 

source of many oil spills, primarily during large winter storms that 

rocked the vessel. The spills manifested in the appearance of 

tarballs and thousands of oiled seabirds on beaches from Bodega 

Bay to Monterey Bay. Major oiling events have occurred every f

winters since at least 1973-74. It was not until January 2002 that 

these “mystery spills” were linked to the Luckenbach. Oil 

chemistry analysis confirmed the presence of Luckenbach oil on 

most of the tarballs and dead birds for every winter since 1992-93 

(the earliest date for which samples are available). 

ew 

 Cordell Bank

National Marine

 Sanctuary

Gulf of the Farallones

 National Marine

 Sanctuary

 Monterey Bay

National Marine

Information Needs 

• Historic and current rates of oiled seabirds, especially for 

Endangered and Threatened species 

• Distribution, seasonal and annual patterns of oil pollution in 

the Gulf of the Farallones region 

• Sources of oil pollution in the Gulf of the Farallones region 

> 2 birds/km Scientific Approach and Actions 

1-2 birds/km Long-term monitoring and sampling of tarballs, oiled seabirds 

and unoiled seabirds; laboratory analyses of archived, historic 

and current oil samples; identification and location of non-point 

sources and point sources of oil pollution. 

 Sanctuary

Key Partners and Information Sources 

NOAA Office of Response and Restoration, California Office of Spill Prevention and Response, Oil Chemistry Lab, 

NOAA Scientific Support Coordinator, Regional Response Team, Ford Ecological Consulting, Inc., US Coast Guard 

Marine Safety Office 

Decision Support Products 

• NOAA 2006 (S.S. Jacob Luckenbach and Associated Oil Spills: DARP) 

• Roletto et al. 2003 & Hampton et al. 2003 

• Resources & Undersea Threats (RUST) database 

• NOAA Oil Spill Trajectory Model 

Management Response 

Trajectory hindcasts based on beached bird modeling were generated, and 

Fred Gamble and Robert Schwemmer’s U.S. Pacific Coast Shipwreck 

Database were consulted to locate the Luckenbach. Subsequent removal of 

approximately 80% of the sunken oil (100% of the accessible oil) has resulted 

in a decline of oiled wildlife by more than 80%, based on seabird and shoreline 

monitoring programs developed to detect mortality events caused by natural 

and anthropogenic events, such as oil spills. Trained volunteers conduct 

emergency wildlife surveys and damage assessment data collection. 

Restoration activities are underway to return seabird population to historic 

levels. 

San 

 Francisco 

Dead oiled seabirds on Central CA beaches 
19

Information from SEALS Annual Report, 2004 

GFNMS Management Plan. For more information: 

http://sanctuaries.nos.noaa.gov/management/mpr/welcome.html

Gulf of the Farallones National Marine Sanctuary 

\Management Issue

Wildlife Disturbance and Recreational Use 

Conflicts 

In the early 1990’s, harbor seals in Tomales Bay experienced 

the highest level of disturbance of all haul out sites studied 

along the central California coast. Seals were disturbed during 

49% of the surveys in 1983, and almost 100% of the time in 

1992. Local constituents and resource managers were 

concerned about the number of disturbances to the seals, the 

low survival of harbor seal pups, and potential site 

abandonment. It was suspected that clam diggers near the haul 

out sites were the major source of disturbance. The sanctuary 

sought to minimize wildlife disturbance, while preserving 

recreational activities and traditional harbor seal haul outs. 

Information Needs 

• Data on the sources of anthropogenic and natural disturbance to the seals. 

• Data on the level of impacts, distance and duration of various human activities in relation to seal activities. 

• Data on the effectiveness of docent and stewardship programs aimed at educating recreationists on compatible 

activities and wildlife viewing etiquette near seal haul out sites. 

Scientific Approach and Actions 

Scientific literature review and expert consultation 

on historic uses of haul out sites by humans and 

seals; field counts and behavior observations; 

measurements of human activities, distance to 

seals, seal behaviors, and pupping rates; 

measurements of changes caused by humans and 

reduction of disturbance levels after initiation of 

docent and stewardship programs. 

Key Partners and Information Sources 

Point Reyes National Seashore 

National Park Service 

National Marine Fisheries Service 

Allen and King, 1992 

Mortenson, 1996 

Results and Decision Support Products 

• Reports were produced and monitoring results were evaluated on behavior, haul out patterns and harbor seal 

populations within the Gulf of the Farallones National Marine Sanctuary. 

• Community outreach and Interpretation programs were evaluated (including brochures, wildlife viewing guidelines 

and docent programs). 

• Data library for use by NOAA General Council on human activities and correlated impacts. 

Management Response 

A wildlife interpretation program has been developed and implemented, and uses docents to teach the public about the 

presence and sensitivity of seals to human activities. Clam diggers continue to be the most frequent human activity on 

the Tomales Bay mudflats but now cause less than one percent of the disturbances to seals. Recreationists and 

wildlife now coexist and monitoring has shown that the survival rate of harbor seal pup has increased. 

Pacific Ocean

0

20

40

60

80

90 180 270 360 450

Distance to Activity (m)

CBNMS

GFNMS

MBNMS

Tomales Bay 

San 

 Francisco 
20

For more information: 

http://hawaiihumpbackwhale.noaa.gov/special_offerings/sp_off/Vessel_collision_wkshp.html

Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale 

Management Issue

Vessels colliding with whales 

The sanctuary was concerned that an increasing humpback whale 

population, combined with vessel traffic in the sanctuary, would 

lead to an increased risk of serious or fatal vessel—whale 

collisions. This concern was born out of an increasing perception 

worldwide that vessel strikes could have serious impacts on the 

recovery of some endangered large whales. 

Information Needs 

• Review of NOAA National Marine Fisheries Service collision and stranding reports, and all relevant newspaper 

articles 

• Synthesis and analysis for trends 

Scientific Approach and Actions 

The Sanctuary contracted University of Hawaii researchers to review all relevant materials, analyze for evidence of 

trends, and make recommendations. 

• Report found increasing trend in collisions 

• Report recommended Vessel-whale collision workshop 

Key Partners and Information Sources 

Sanctuary Advisory Council, University of Hawaii, and the State of Hawaii, Department of Land and Natural Resources, 

NOAA Fisheries stranding database and Hawaii newspaper archives. 

Decision Support Products 

• Sanctuary Advisory Council convened a workshop with experts (whale biologists, 

engineers and industry representatives) from across the country. 

• Vessel- whale collision workshop made several recommendations prioritizing education 

and outreach in the short term and continued investigation of collision avoidance 

technologies for the future. 

• Sanctuary Advisory Council recommended boater outreach program. 

• Sanctuary Advisory Council also advised investigation of an anonymous reporting system. 

Management Response 

The sanctuary designed and produced a variety of materials and outreach initiatives to deliver 

messages to Hawaii boaters Highlights include: 

• Strategically placed signage at harbors and boat ramps 

• Press releases and media follow up generating extensive print and TV coverage 

• Working with proposed high speed ferry company to develop an avoidance plan 

based on known whale distribution, behavior and environmental conditions, as well 

as proper watch-keeping 
21 

Information from SIMoN Action Plan 

Beach COMBERS- http://www.mbnms-simon.org/sections/beachCombers/index.php?l=n 

http://montereybay.noaa.gov/

Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary 

Management Issue

Beach COMBERS Inform Fishery Managers on Gillnet Bycatch 

The Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary (MBNMS) consists of 5,322 square miles of ocean, and monitoring all 

aspects of the sanctuary is impossible. Because marine birds and mammals are top predators, their health can be 

used as an indicator of the quality and quantity of prey resources such as krill, squid and fishes. Using top predators 

as indicators of events such as El Niño, harmful algal blooms, oil spills and fishery impacts, is also convenient because 

the public values these animals and understands the need to study, protect, and conserve them and their habitats. 

Information Needs 

• Monitoring information on beachcast marine birds and mammals as an index of 

ecosystem health in the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary 

• Baseline information to demonstrate effects resulting from catastrophic events such 

as oil spills 

• A consistent data set over long period of time to resolve subtle changes in 

environmental quality, which may not be apparent with short-term sampling 

• Causes of seabird and marine mammal mortality 

• Monitoring abundance of tar balls (oil patches) on beaches to determine pollution 

sources 

Scientific Approach and Actions 

In 1997, we initiated a beach survey program called Beach COMBERS (Coastal Ocean Mammal and Bird Education 

and Research Surveys). Using over 80 trained citizen-volunteers, beachcast marine birds and mammals are surveyed 

monthly at selected beaches. Currently, volunteers survey 70 km of 

beaches in the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary as part of a 

network of interacting citizens, scientists, and resource managers. 

Key Partners and Information Sources 

Beach COMBERS volunteers, the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary 

Integrated Monitoring Network (SIMoN), Moss Landing Marine Laboratories, 

California Department of Fish and Game’s Marine Wildlife Veterinary Care 

and Research Center, NOAA National Marine Fisheries Service, and U.S. 

Fish and Wildlife Service 

Results and Decision Support Products 

• Nine years of consistent monthly surveys describing trends in the 

distribution and abundance of beachcast marine birds and mammals 

• Reports on episodic mortality events related to natural (e.g., El Niño, 

harmful algal blooms) and anthropogenic (e.g., oil spills, fishery bycatch) 

factors 

• A comprehensive website for volunteer support and reporting 

(http://www.mbnms-simon.org/sections/beachCombers/index.php?l=n) 

Management Response 

Because of the increased deposition of Common Murres and porpoises 

reported by Beach COMBERS, which coincided with a nearshore gillnet fishery 

to catch halibut, NOAA National Marine Fisheries Service re-established an 

observer program for the California halibut gillnet fishery. In 2000, the 

California Department of Fish and Game changed fishing regulations to limit 

gillnets to water deeper than 360 feet to reduce bycatch mortality. Annually, 

thousands of seabirds and dozens of mammals now avoid bycatch in the 

Monterey Bay.
22

For more information: 

http://oceanexplorer.noaa.gov/explorations/06davidson/welcome.html

Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary 

Management Issue 

Characterize and Protect Davidson Seamount Habitat and Communities

Less than 0.1 percent of the world’s seamounts have been 

explored to document the species that live on them. Many 

species found on seamounts that have been explored are new 

to science. The Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary 

(MBNMS) has led collaborative field surveys to explore and 

document communities at Davidson Seamount. These 

expeditions documented previously undiscovered species and 

assemblages including large patches of sponges and long-lived 

corals. There is currently no comprehensive management 

scheme in place to protect the organisms on the seamount or 

the surrounding ecosystem. In addition, there is a need for 

NOAA to educate the public about deep corals and seamounts. 

Information Needs 

• Taxonomic identification and natural history of rare or new species 

• Age and growth determination of deep corals 

• Distribution of deep coral and sponge communities 

• Information for education programs on corals and seamounts 

Scientific Approach and Actions 

• Collect and preserve specimens, collect high-resolution images 

and video, and consult with knowledgeable scientists and 

specialized taxonomists 

• Determine coral age and growth patterns using traditional 

sectioning techniques and novel radiometric ageing methods 

• Develop and test a coral distribution model using bathymetric 

information, and current and particle measurement techniques 

• Collect high-definition video for BBC’s Planet Earth television series, and images for websites 

Key Partners and Information Sources 

Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute, Moss Landing Marine Laboratories, Monterey Bay Aquarium, NOAA 

National Marine Fisheries Service, fishermen, The Ocean Conservancy, World Wildlife Fund, NOAA’s Office of Ocean 

Exploration, BBC

Results and Decision Support Products 

• Annotated video (>150 hours), and high-resolution images (>200) 

catalogued in online photo database 

• Age estimate for bamboo coral (Keratoisis sp.) exceed 200 years, and 

for precious coral (Corallium sp.) exceed 100 years 

• Results published in 3 publications, 17 oral and 5 poster presentations, 

and award winning interactive CD ROM 

• BBC’s Planet Earth television series due in 2007

Management Response 

• MBNMS presented Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC) with 

an opportunity to prepare draft Sanctuary regulations limiting fishing deeper than 3000 ft at Davidson 

Seamount 

• PFMC endorsed goals and objectives of the sanctuary, requested protections be provided under MagnusonStevens Act, and identified protection of Davidson Seamount as one of the preferred alternatives for 

protection of essential groundfish habitat 

• NOAA National Marine Fisheries Service will publish final rule in Spring 2006 prohibiting fishing deeper than 

3000 ft at seamount 

• Sanctuary Advisory Council proposed adding Davidson Seamount to MBNMS 
23

Information from SIMoN Action Plan 

Integrated Ocean Observatories- http://oceanobs.org

Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary 

Management Issue 

Database Management for the Central 

and Northern California Ocean 

Observing System (CeNCOOS) 

A top priority for NOAA is the development of an 

integrated ocean observing system (IOOS). Staff from 

NOAA’s National Marine Sanctuaries Program have 

worked with coordinators of the Central and Northern 

California Ocean Observing System (CeNCOOS) to 

develop a database management system to inventory 

regional IOOS ocean observing activities. The system, 

called oceanObs, is a versatile, multi-use system that 

allows program managers to administer metadata on their 

activities, while providing a means for regional 

associations to query and report on programs in their 

region. 

Information Needs 

• Accurate reporting on ocean observing activities by coordinators of regional associations (RAs). 

• Administration of observing information by individual observing programs. 

• Public access to metadata and facilitation of observing data products discovery. 

Scientific Approach and Actions 

System requirements of oceanObs were gathered from CeNCOOS coordinators to ensure proper functionality. 

Database schema were developed from the already existing CeNCOOS geodatabase. The system was built out over 

the course of 8 months and was completed in August 2005. To date, metadata have been entered for 23 ocean 

observing programs in the CeNCOOS region. In March 2006 a dedicated administrative assistant joined CeNCOOS 

staff to enter metadata on all 55 observing programs in the region. This position, partially supervised by sanctuary 

staff, will result in the first complete, publicly accessible, inventory of observing program metadata in any IOOS region. 

Key Partners and Information Sources 

Central and Northern California Ocean Observing System; Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary’s Sanctuary 

Integrated Monitoring Network (SIMoN); National Coastal Data Development Center (NCDDC); a wide variety of 

research institutions throughout Northern and Central California. 

 

Results and Decision Support Products 

• Inventory system that provides ocean observatory platform and sensor information, viewable in a spatial display. 

• Database search engine that links data sets and synthesized data products in Central and Northern California. 

• Report generation on observing activities (e.g., funding, IOOS variables) used by regional coordinators. 

• Improved ability to plan deployment of additional observing instruments. 

Management Response 

oceanObs has been used extensively by the CeNCOOS coordinator to assess and report on observing activities in the 

Central and Northern California region. The system has also enabled managers at the Monterey Bay NMS to better 

understand regional ocean observing efforts and find overlaps with their resource management needs (e.g., ocean 

current models for spill response). oceanObs is being considered as a model for inventories of observing activities in 

other IOOS regions throughout the nation. Efforts are currently underway by the National Marine Sanctuary Program 

and the Coastal Services Center to assess oceanObs’ suitability to manage the inventory needs of all IOOS regions. 

SIMoN- http://www.mbnms-simon.org/ 

http://montereybay.noaa.gov/
24

For more information: 

http://sanctuaries.noaa.gov/jointplan/mb_mpa.html

Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary 

Management Issue 

Marine Protected Areas Decision Support Tool

Two multi-stakeholder processes are currently underway to evaluate marine protected areas (MPAs) on the Central 

California Coast, in state waters under the Marine Life Protection Act Initiative (MLPA), and in federal waters via a 

working group of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary (MBNMS). In addition, NOAA’s Marine Protected Areas 

Center is interested in piloting approaches to gather and evaluate data relevant to regional MPA design efforts. An 

important component of these efforts is the development of a decision support tool that will aid the two working groups 

in evaluating spatial information and selecting alternative designs for MPA arrays in state and federal waters. 

Information Needs 

• Large volume and variety of spatial data (e.g., 

habitat, biological, oceanographic, consumptive 

and non-consumptive activities, regulatory 

boundaries, imagery and charts) 

• Equal access “Decision support tool” for area 

analyses of proposed marine reserves 

Scientific Approach and Actions 

• Identify contractor to develop a common decision 

support tool for both the federal and state 

processes, and to allow future modifications as 

needed 

• Guide tool development to include an interactive map for data exploration and visualization; provide for ease of 

use by all working group participants; and provide accurate area analyses of marine resources inside, outside, 

and across alternative marine reserve boundaries 

• Coordinate with contractor and inter-agency GIS staff to populate decision support tool with spatial data 

Key Partners and Information Sources 

California Department of Fish and Game, 

National Marine Fisheries Service, Pacific 

Fisheries Management Council, I.M. Systems 

Group, Inc., MLPA and MBNMS Marine 

Protected Area working groups, fishing 

industry, University of California Santa 

Barbara, local research institutions and spatial 

data providers 

Results and Decision Support Products 

• Online interactive map and decision 

support tool developed 

• Recommended boundary alternatives 

Management Response 

An extensive inter-agency collaborative effort has produced a powerful, web-based decision support tool. This 

convenient online tool allows all working group members to create their own individual marine reserve boundaries or 

even arrays of two or more reserves, while comparing and contrasting arrays published online by other working group 

members. Detailed reports summarize total area and relative percentage of federal and state marine resources inside, 

outside, and across individual marine reserves and any arrays they are nested within. Any computer with an Internet 

connection can access this tool, facilitating open and honest dialogue between all participants. 

 
25

For more information: 

http://sanctuaries.noaa.gov/jointplan/reptoad/mb_pdf/waterquality.pdf

Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary 

Management Issue 

Cruise Ship Discharges and Anchorage

Large cruise ships began visiting Monterey in 2002, and have increased their number of visits every year. These ships 

can provide local businesses with economic benefits, particularly if they introduce the region to tourists who may return 

for later visits. However, due to their sheer size, capacity for passengers, and environmental practices, cruise ships 

can cause serious impacts to the marine environment. Of main concern is the discharge of pollutants such as: sewage, 

also referred to as black water; gray water; oily bilge water; hazardous wastes and solid wastes. Cruise ships can also 

disturb the seafloor and alter habitat due to anchoring. 

Information Needs 

• Identify potential pollutants 

• Determine optional discharge locations 

• Assess southern Monterey Bay 

seafloor habitat types 

Scientific Approach and Actions 

• Collect information on all potential 

pollutants, including their potential 

impact on the environment 

• Determine all U.S. regulations that 

govern discharge of pollutants and 

other materials 

• Collect relevant spatial data (e.g., 

regulatory boundaries and habitat data) 

• Identify critical habitats that anchorage 

should avoid 

• Monitor all cruise ship discharges by building a spatial database of the sewage and gray water discharge record 

book (kept aboard every cruise ship) 

Key Partners and Information Sources 

Cruise ship industry, City of Monterey, California State Water 

Resources Control Board, local Regional Water Quality Control Board, 

tourism industry 

Results and Decision Support Products 

• Initiated in 2004: monitoring of cruise ship discharge locations 

through a Geographic Information System (GIS)

• GIS database of all cruise ship discharge locations, regulatory 

boundaries, and seafloor data (e.g., habitat type, bathymetry, 

and complexity) 

Management Response 

All cruise ship discharges are mapped to verify agreements to avoid 

areas within the Sanctuary. Two anchorage points are designated to 

avoid sensitive kelp and rocky reef habitats. These responses will help 

reduce impacts to Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary resources 

from the presence of cruise ships. 

 
26

Information from Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary 

Website. For more information: 

http://olympiccoast.noaa.gov/protection/atba/welcome.html

Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary 

Management Issue

Area to be Avoided (ATBA) Vessel Monitoring 

A catastrophic discharge of oil from a maritime accident poses the 

single greatest risk to the Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary 

(OCNMS). OCNMS worked with the US Coast Guard and the 

International Maritime Organization to establish an Area to be Avoided 

(ATBA) as a buffer and allow assistance to adrift vessels along this 

rocky and environmentally sensitive coast. All ships transiting the area 

and carrying cargoes of oil or hazardous materials, and all ships 1,600 

gross tons, are requested to avoid this area. The voluntary vessel 

routing measure, along with the seasonal positioning of a rescue tug in 

Neah Bay, has proven effective in preventing oil spills within the 

OCNMS. Sanctuary and vessel traffic mangers have a need to 

monitor the effectiveness of the ATBA and periodically make changes. 

Information Needs 

• Information on ATBA compliance. 

• Position information on vessel transits. 

• Information on vessel characteristics including; vessel name, 

vessel class, gross tonnage and in some cases cargo. 

• Contact information for the ship’s owners, operators or agents. 

• Trend information on vessel behavior by class, tonnage, and 

ownership. 

Scientific Approach and Actions 

Since 1998 the sanctuary has acquired monthly vessel position files 

from the Canadian Coast Guard’s radar site on Vancouver Island. This 

information is displayed as tracklines on a geographic information 

system. The data also includes vessel attributes that allows spatial and 

temporal analysis of behavior and trends, based on vessel 

characteristics. 

 

Key Partners and Information Sources 

Vessel traffic in the northern section of OCNMS is jointly managed by the 

US and Canadian Coast Guards, under the Cooperative Vessel Traffic 

Service. The ATBA Vessel Monitoring and Outreach Program is supported 

by both these parties. The sanctuary receives vessel traffic data for post 

processing monthly from the Canadian Coast Guard along with limited real 

time access to vessel information from the US Coast Guard. 

Results and Decision Support Products 

• Monthly shape files of vessel transits. 

• Monthly transit plots of non-complying vessels. 

• Annual ATBA vessel compliance summaries. 

Management Response 

The monthly transit plots are used as part of an outreach effort to the 

marine industry. Letters are sent out under signature of the sanctuary 

superintendent and the Coast Guard captain of the port to vessels observed 

within the ATBA. The response by the maritime industry has been very 

favorable, with a 97% compliance rate in 2005. 
27

For more information: 

http://www.coastalscience.noaa.gov/documents/ar0404leg2.pdf

Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary 

Management Issue 

Document and Protect Remaining Deep 

Coral/Sponge Communities

Deep coral and sponge communities in many parts of the 

ocean are threatened by potentially destructive human 

activities. The Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary 

(OCNMS) collaborated on a 2004 survey to document deep 

coral and sponge communities in the sanctuary. These 

discoveries included very rare species (e.g., Lophelia pertusa) 

and others that are very vulnerable to disturbance from bottom 

fishing gear. Remaining communities of these sensitive 

species need to be documented and options for long-term protection must be considered in order to avoid further 

impact and allow for recovery of impacted habitats.

Information Needs 

• Current distribution of deep coral and sponge communities 

• Areas with evidence of former existence of live communities 

• Condition of existing communities (intact or damaged by fishing gear or other human activities) 

• Relative risk of species composing the communities 

• Relative distribution and intensity of potentially destructive human activities (principally fishing) 

Scientific Approach and Actions 

• Literature review and consultations with knowledgeable scientists and 

fishermen 

• Acoustic mapping surveys (both side-scan sonar and multibeam bathymetry) 

to locate promising sites 

• Video groundtruthing with remotely operated vehicles and collection of 

voucher specimens at target sites 

Key Partners and Information Sources 

NOAA National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science, NOAA National Marine Fisheries 

Service (NMFS), Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, Pacific Fisheries 

Management Council (PFMC), coastal tribes, University of Washington, local 

fishermen 

Results and Decision Support Products 

• GIS-based data (bathymetric and topographic 

maps, groundtruthing locations) 

• Results and unique species reports published 

in NOAA Technical Memorandum 

• Poster presentation at Deep Sea Coral 

Symposium 

Management Response 

OCNMS alerted NMFS and PFMC to the presence of 

coral/sponge areas in the sanctuary. PFMC/NMFS 

proposed protecting biogenic habitat areas, including 

some sites within OCNMS, as part of defining essential 

fish habitat for groundfish. Additional funding sources 

were secured for expanded surveys in 2006.
28

Information from SBNMS. For more information: 

http://sanctuaries.nos.noaa.gov/management/mpr/welcome.html

Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary 

Management Issue 

Rerouting Commercial Vessel Traffic to Reduce the Risk of Shipstrikes to 

Whales 

The Stellwagen Bank NMS (SBNMS) has been working to mitigate the 

risk of shipstrikes to endangered whales. The sanctuary is a critical 

seasonal feeding area for right, humpback, fin, and minke whales. It is 

also the area in which large commercial ships converge to enter the 

Port of Boston. Over 200 large commercial ships ply the waters of the 

Stellwagen Bank NMS every month. The sanctuary, in cooperation with 

key partners, considered altering the traffic separation scheme in order 

to reduce shipstrikes in areas with high whale concentrations, as well 

as the economic impacts of such an action. 

 

Information Needs 

• Long-term distribution of baleen whale sightings 

• Habitat characterization 

• Whale feeding ecology 

• Characterization of large commercial vessel use of SBNMS 

• Requirements for proposal to International Maritime Organization 

Scientific Approach and Actions 

• Risk analysis of shipstrikes to whales using maps of whale sightings, habitats, human uses and information 

on whale feeding ecology 

Key Partners and Information Sources 

NOAA Office of Protected Resources, NOAA Northeast Fisheries Science Center, NOAA General Counsel for 

International Law, Right Whale Consortium, Massachusetts Port Authority, Shipping Industry, US Coast Guard, Whale 

Center of New England, Provincetown Center for Coastal Studies. 

Results and Decision Support Products 

 

• An analysis of shipstrikes along the East Coast from 1979-2002 

indicates that Massachusetts Bay, including the Stellwagen 

Bank NMS, is a hotspot for shipstrikes. 

• The sanctuary is heavily used by large cargo vessels and by 

whales year around. 

• A 23-year database of whale sightings reveal the existence of 

three areas of high whale density and that the current traffic 

safety separation bisects one of them. 

• For vessels using the traffic separation scheme, rotating the 

scheme 12 degrees to the north may reduce risk of shipstrikes 

to endangered right whales by 58% and to all baleen whales by 

81%. 

• Vessel transit times would be increased by between 9 – 22 

minutes 

Management Response 

The National Marine Sanctuary Program, NOAA Office of Protected Resources, and the General Counsel for 

International Law have agreed to jointly propose to International Maritime Organization (IMO) to shift the current TSS 

12 degrees to the north so that ships pass between two areas that have historically shown high densities of whales. 
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS 

I appreciate the efforts of those who prepared and reviewed material for this report: Ed 

Bowlby, Maria Brown, Erica Burton, Kathy Dalton, Andrew DeVogelaere, Bill Douros, 

Sarah Fangman, Ben Haskell, Patricia Hay, Emma Hickerson, Brian Keller, Bill Kiene, 

Chad King, Dani Lipski, Jean de Marignac, Dave Mattila, Greg McFall, Josh Pederson, 

Jan Roletto, George Schmahl, Natalie Senyk and David Wiley. They are also some of the 

people leading efforts in marine sanctuaries to conduct and facilitate science that supports 

resource management. I also want to recognize the many partners who conduct research 

in the sanctuaries. Many of them are listed in the one page summaries under “Key 

Partners and Information Sources.” For all these hard working people, we should all be 

grateful. 

29 
LITERATURE CITED 

Allen, S.G. and M. E. King. 1992. Proceedings from the Third Biennial State of Tomales 

Bay Conference. Inverness CA, 1992, pp. 33-57 

Cowie-Haskell, B.D., and J.M. Delaney. 2003. Integrating science into the design of the 

Tortugas Ecological Reserve. Mar. Technol. Soc. J. 37: 68-79. 

Cox, C., and J.H. Hunt. 2005. Change in size and abundance of Caribbean spiny lobsters 

Panulirus argus in a marine reserve in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, 

USA. Mar. Ecol. Prog. Ser. 294: 227-239. 

Hampton, S., R.G. Ford, H.R. Carter, C. Abraham, and D. Humple. 2003. Chronic 

oiling and seabird mortality from the sunken vessel S.S. Jacob Luckenbach in Central 

California. Marine Ornithology 31(1):35-41. 

Mortenson, J. 1996. Human interference with harbor seals at Jenner, CA, 1994-1995. 

Unpublished report for Stewards of Slavianka Sonoma State Beaches, Russian 

River/Mendocino Park District, California Department of State Parks and Recreation. 

Duncan's Mills, CA. 48 pp. 

National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS). 2005. A biogeographic 

assessment of the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary: A review of boundary 

expansion concepts for NOAA’s. National Marine Sanctuary Program. NOAA Tech. 

Memorandum NOS NCCOS 21. 215 pp. 

Luckenbach Trustee Council. 2006. S.S. Jacob Luckenbach and Associated Mystery Oil 

Spills Draft Damage Assessment and Restoration Plan/Environmental Assessment. 

Prepared by California Department of Fish and Game, National Oceanic and 

Atmospheric Administration, United States Fish and Wildlife Service, National Park 

Service. Sacramento, CA. 160 pp. 

Roletto, J., J. Mortenson, I. Harrald, J. Hall, and L. Grella. 2003. Beached bird surveys 

and chronic oil pollution in Central California. Marine Ornithology 31(1): 21-28. 

30 
OTHER ONMS CONSERVATION SERIES PUBLICATIONS

The following reports have been published in the Marine Sanctuaries Conservation Series. All publications 

are available on the Office of National Marine Sanctuaries website (http://www.sanctuaries.noaa.gov/). 

Normalization and characterization of multibeam backscatter: Koitlah Point to Point of the 

Arches, Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary - Survey HMPR-115-2004-03 (ONMS-06-03) 

Developing Alternatives for Optimal Representation of Seafloor Habitats and Associated 

Communities in Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary (ONMS-06-02) 

Benthic habitat mapping in the Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary (ONMS-06-01) 

Channel Islands deep water monitoring plan development workshop report (ONMS-05-05) 

Movement of yellowtail snapper (Ocyurus chrysurus Block 1790) and black grouper 

(Mycteroperca bonaci Poey 1860) in the northern Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary as 

determined by acoustic telemetry (MSD-05-4) 

The impacts of coastal protection structures in California's Monterey Bay National Marine 

Sanctuary (MSD-05-3) 

An annotated bibliography of diet studies of fish of the southeast United States and Gray's Reef 

National Marine Sanctuary (MSD-05-2) 

Noise levels and sources in the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary and the St. Lawrence 

River Estuary (MSD-05-1) 

Biogeographic analysis of the Tortugas Ecological Reserve (MSD-04-1) 

A review of the ecological effectiveness of subtidal marine reserves in central California (MSD04-2, MSD-04-3) 

Pre-construction coral survey of the M/V Wellwood grounding site (MSD-03-1) 

Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary: Proceedings of the 1998 Research Workshop, Seattle, 

Washington (MSD-01-04) 

Workshop on Marine Mammal Research & Monitoring in the National Marine Sanctuaries (MSD01-03) 

A review of marine zones in the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary (MSD-01-2) 

Distribution and sighting frequency of reef fishes in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary

(MSD-01-1) 

Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary: A rapid assessment of coral, fish, and algae 

using the AGRRA protocol (MSD-00-3) 

The economic contribution of whalewatching to regional economies: Perspectives from two 

national marine sanctuaries (MSD-00-2) 

Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary Area to be Avoided education and monitoring program

(MSD-00-1) 

Multi-species and multi-interest management: an ecosystem approach to market squid (Loligo

opalescens) harvest in California (MSD-99-1)