A version of this article was presented at the Coastal Zone '99 conference in San Diego, July 24-30, 1999. These trips offered scientists access to day and night operations. Currently, a ten-day research cruise with a Navy ship is planned for June 2000.
Wildlife biologist use the boat platform to perform nearshore seabird surveys.
Some exceptions to these prohibited activities can be allowed with research or education permits. Traditional fishing practices, including commercial, recreational, and tribal, are also allowed. There are, however, precedents for establishing smaller protective zones within national marine sanctuaries. There has been growing concerns that some fishing practices, most notably bottom trawling, may negatively impact seafloor ecosystems. This multi-year, nationwide program, will explore and inventory the national marine sanctuaries.