Part
2, Sec. 3D
Sanctuary Management Plan - Interpretation/Education
D.
Interpretation/Education
1.
General Context for Management
Public
awareness, understanding, and appreciation for the special values
of the Stellwagen Bank ecosystem are essential for its protection
and continued vitality. The Sanctuary interpretive program will
focus on improving public understanding by providing information
on the Bank's functions and resources, and on the Sanctuary
regulations designed to ensure resource protection. To accomplish
this objective, interpretive information will be targeted to
a variety of audiences, including in particular, the user public.
2.
Interpretive Opportunities
Interpretive
opportunities for the Sanctuary will be targeted toward three
basic audiences: visitors to the Sanctuary; visitors to the
Sanctuary headquarters; and interested individuals or organizations
not visiting either location (off-site). Numerous interpretive
opportunities exist for all types of audiences.
The
accessibility of Stellwagen Bank to numerous recreational and
commercial boaters, to commercial fishermen, and to scientific
researchers, provides a variety of ways in which to reach the
visiting public with information about the Sanctuary's resources
and programs. Among anticipated methods of reaching this on-site
user public are brochures and other informational materials
distributed aboard whalewatch vessels; through recreational
charterboat captains; and through research and educational institutions
sponsoring vessel trips to the site.
Establishment
of a Sanctuary headquarters in Plymouth, MA will provide a focal
point for interested members of the public who may or may not
intend to actually visit Stellwagen Bank. The visitor center
will make available interpretive materials on the Stellwagen
Bank system, its resources, recreational activities, and protective
and safety regulations in effect.
Some
of these materials will be presented in audio-visual formats;
others in printed form. The sanctuary headquarters will also
provide a location for the public to learn about other private
or governmental activities occurring within or near the Sanctuary.
Information will also be provided on how the Sanctuary program
coordinates with other public and private institutions or agencies
to ensure the continued protection and viability of the Stellwagen
Bank ecosystem. National Marine Sanctuary Program information
will also be available at the Sanctuary headquarters.
Finally,
Sanctuary interpretive staff will conduct outreach activities
to make Sanctuary information available to individuals, schools,
and organizations throughout the New England area. These materials
will be directed at those who are not likely to actually visit
the Sanctuary, but who are nonetheless interested in learning
about the SBNMS and the National Marine Sanctuary Program.
3.
Interpretive Programs
Interpretation
for the Sanctuary will consist of three distinct programs:
• On-site
visitor programs for fishing and whalewatching vessels, and
other recreational boating visitors to the Sanctuary;
• Visitor
center programs for individuals visiting the Sanctuary headquarters,
or other nearby information centers; and
• Outreach
programs for interested individuals and groups not visiting
the Sanctuary or its headquarters.
a. On-Site
Visitor Programs
On-site
interpretation for the Sanctuary will consist primarily of printed
materials on the Sanctuary and its regulations made available
on commercial fishing and/or whalewatching vessels. The program
will rely heavily on the cooperation of excursion boat operators.
Many of the commercial whalewatch vessels incorporate the onboard
services of a naturalist, to identify and discuss various species
of cetaceans. Verbal information on the Sanctuary will be included
in such discussions, in addition to brochures or other printed
materials which excursion participants may carry home with them.
Local organizations, such as Manomet Bird Observatory, Cetacean
Research Unit, Center for Coastal Studies, or the New England
Aquarium, may also be interested in co-sponsoring special excursions
to the Bank.
b.
Visitor Center/Headquarters Programs
Exhibits,
audio-visual information, and printed materials will be available
to the public at the Sanctuary visitor center/headquarters.
Additional potential distribution points for Sanctuary brochures
and other materials include NOAA's National Marine Fisheries
Service facility (Gloucester), and the Cape Cod National Seashore
Visitor Centers at Race Point and South Wellfleet.
c.
Outreach Programs
Off-site
interpretive programs will involve coordinated and cooperative
efforts with local and regional environmental study organizations,
e.g., Center for Coastal Studies, Cetacean Research Unit, Manomet
Bird Observatory, International Wildlife Coalition, New England
Aquarium, and Massachusetts Audubon Society. Additionally, Sanctuary
staff will make interpretive materials available to local and
regional schools and universities. Materials may include slide
presentations and travelling exhibits, curriculum materials
and other teacher aids. Opportunities will be assessed for Sanctuary
outreach locations in areas of heavy public visitation, such
as highway welcome centers and public docks.
next
section
|
