All 13 sanctuaries encompass over 18,000 square miles. This is about the size of Vermont and New Hampshire combined. Nature of Protection. Protection for natural resources varies among sanctuaries, but generally dredging, dumping, placing structures on the seabed, and oil exploration and production is prohibited in all sanctuaries. Removal of historic artifacts and certain valuable natural resources is not allowed without permits.
Specific rules are unique to each sanctuary.
Florida Key National Marine Sanctuary includes limited areas of fishing no-take zones. The Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary prohibits fishing with bottom longlines, bottom trawls, or traps. Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary is attempting to regulate the distance tankers and container ships must remain offshore. Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary forbids air flights under 2,000 ft. to avoid harassment of marine animals.