Research Technical Report

Charting the Sanctuary's Future: The Management Plan Review

William J. Douros (March 2003)

Oral presentation at the Sanctuary Currents Symposium, Seaside, CA

ABSTRACT

The Monterey Bay, Cordell Bank and Gulf of the Farallones National Marine Sanctuaries are conducting a joint management plan review, which includes evaluating regulations, boundaries, strategies and programs for the effective management and protection of these sanctuaries. Required by law, a periodic review of each sanctuary management plan ensures that the sanctuaries continue to best conserve, protect, and enhance their nationally significant living and cultural resources. Recent scientific discoveries, advancements in managing marine resources, and new resource management issues are all incorporated into this review process. The review also involves extensive public participation and provides an opportunity for the public to shape the future direction and management of each sanctuary.

Through a public scoping process held last fall, a variety of issues were identified, and with further public input, priority issues for further action have been selected. During the remainder of the joint management plan review, action plans to address these priority issues will be developed and woven into a revised management plan. At the Sanctuary Currents Symposium these priority issues will be discussed, as well as what they mean regarding the future of our sanctuaries.