NEW WEB SITE FOR USA MARINE PROTECTED AREAS
NOAA ANNOUNCES NEW INSTITUTE FOR MARINE PROTECTED AREAS TRAINING AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE
December 21, 2000 — The U.S. Departments of Commerce and the Interior today unveiled a new Web site on Marine Protected Areas of the United States. MPA.GOV is designed to provide information, facilitate partnerships, help identify key needs and challenges, and encourage public participation in the design, implementation and evaluation of marine protected areas.
In May, 2000, the Secretary of Commerce and the Secretary of the Interior were directed by President Clinton (Executive Order 13158) to establish and jointly manage a Web site to share information, tools and strategies on MPAs, and provide access to a complete list of MPAs in U.S. waters. The President also directed federal agencies to work closely with local, state, territorial, tribal and other stakeholders to strengthen existing MPAs and build a scientifically-based, comprehensive national system of MPAs.
The first version of MPA.GOV provides a variety of services such as (1) general information on the role of MPAs ocean and coastal management, (2) a virtual library of references on MPAs, and (3) the beginnings of a comprehensive inventory of U.S. marine protected areas. The site will be updated as new material is available, and will provide reports on progress towards a building a comprehensive system of marine protected areas.
The aim of the site is to provide useful information on MPAs to a broad range of interests—from educators and students to managers, scientists, policy makers, fishermen, boaters and other users of ocean and coastal resources.
Public input is requested on two issues related to completing a list of all U.S. MPAs (see section on MPA Inventory). The issues are (1) the proposed criteria for defining an MPA, and (2) the proposed data/information to be provided on each MPA. The goal is to develop a list of U.S. MPAs that is a valuable resource and tool for managers, users, the public and others. Input is requested on what kind of information on each MPA site to include in the database, and how to clearly interpret the definition of MPAs provided in the Executive Order.
NOAA ANNOUNCES NEW INSTITUTE FOR MARINE PROTECTED AREAS TRAINING AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE
NOAA today announced the creation of a new Institute for Marine Protected Area Training and Technical Assistance at NOAA's Coastal Services Center in Charleston, South Carolina.
As part of NOAA's National Marine Protected Areas Center, the new Institute will develop and provide a wide variety of training opportunities and technical assistance on marine protected areas (MPA) to managers, scientists, community groups, fishermen and other interested groups. The MPA Training Institute will provide classes, workshops and advance technologies to equip ocean and coastal managers with new skills to design and manage MPAs. Training will also be available for teachers, community leaders, the fishing community and others. The new Institute will work with partners to identify training and assistance opportunities across the nation, and serve as a clearinghouse for information on these topics.
In May, 2000, President Clinton directed NOAA to establish a National Center for Marine Protected Areas to provide science, tools and strategies to help strengthen existing MPAs and build a science-based, comprehensive national system of MPAs. The new MPA Training Institute is one of two Institutes established as part of the National MPA Center. In October, 2000, NOAA established the Institute for MPA Science in Santa Cruz, California. Both Institutes are designed to serve the nation by building partnerships with many sectors and institutions.
Relevant Web Sites
Marine Protected Areas
INSTITUTE FOR MARINE PROTECTED AREAS TRAINING AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE — Fact Sheet
NOAA's Coastal Services Center
NOAA's National Marine Sanctuaries
NOAA's National Estuarine Research Reserve System
Media Contact:
Roger Griffis, NOAA/Department of Commerce, (202) 482-5034
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