Resource Issues: Seabed Disturbance
Overview of the issue
Alteration of the seabed can occur from a variety of sources, including construction activities, laying of underwater cables or pipelines, placement of other types of structures on the seafloor, and trawling. Alteration below mean high tide also occurs in coastal armoring, covered in more detail under a separate heading.
How is the Sanctuary involved?
MBNMS regulationsprohibit alteration of the seabed, with the exception of fishing activities and normal anchoring. MBNMS addresses these seabed alteration activities through review of projects and issuing of permits with conditions to minimize impacts, and occasionally denying permits.