PART
IV: ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES OF ALTERNATIVES
V. Section: Relationship Between
Short-term Uses of the Environment and the Maintenance
and Enhancement of Long-term Productivity
V. Section: Relationship Between Short-term Uses of the Environment and the Maintenance
Sanctuary designation emphasizes the importance of the natural and historical resources of Monterey Bay area. The Monterey Bay environment is still relatively pristine and the healthy and the diverse natural ecosystem is relatively unaltered. Designation will enhance public awareness of the area and provide long-term assurance that its resources will be available for future generations. Implementation of the preferred alternative ensures that changes in use patterns which degrade the Bay environment are monitored and possibly reversed.
The education, research and resource protection programs will provide information, management and protection that develops a foundation for wise public use of the area and results in long-term productivity. Similarly, information collected in the research program will assist marine resource managers in making better management decisions. Better management will in turn help resolve use conflicts and mitigate the adverse effects of human activities.