Marine Protected Areas

Marine Protected Areas of the United States

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Marine protected areas (MPAs) serve many different purposes and are established for a variety of reasons. The term MPA has been used in many ways as well. Those impacted by or interested in MPAs have varying perceptions on the value and use of MPAs. This website’s purpose is to provide information and resources that assist in national dialog and decision-making about MPAs.

New! Check out our new pages that detail marine managed area programs and systems in coastal states, commonwealths and territories.

The MPA Federal Advisory Committee meeting met in Maui, Hawaii from September 21-24, 2004. Presentations from panelists and other presenters are now posted. The meeting minutes and transcript will be available soon

The MPA Center released a report on Stakeholder Participation, which you can find in our publication collection.

A report on Lessons Learned from Recent Marine Protected Area Designations in the United States has been added to our Lessons Learned pages. The report summarizes strengths and weaknesses and provides recommendations for ongoing and future MPA planning efforts.

Read NOAA's progress report on Executive Order 13158 for fiscal years 2002 and 2003 under the Information and Tools section. You can read about some of the legislation that provides the authority for various federal agencies and government entities to establish, manage, monitor and/or evaluate marine protected areas at the federal level.

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