U.S. Marine Protected Areas: Conserving Our Nation's Marine Resources
Forty percent of U.S. waters are part of a Marine Protected Area (MPA).
Over 1,600 Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) protect biodiversity, conserve our cultural heritage, and support sustainable production of marine resources in the coastal waters of the U.S. MPAs vary widely in purpose, legal authorities, managing agencies, and the level of protection provided - ranging from "no take" (currently 3% of U.S. waters) to “multiple use” (currently 92% of U.S. waters). In an age where human activity increasingly competes for ocean space and coastal resources, there is an increasing need for management tools such as MPAs, to ensure that the condition of ocean and coastal areas is both maintained and improved.
For more information:
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) National Coastal Condition Report
NOAA Coastal Indicators Information Exchange
The Heinz Center - State of the Nations' Ecosystems 2008