Management
Plan Review
Management plans are Sanctuary-specific documents that perform
many functions, including describing regulations and boundaries;
outlining staffing and budget needs; setting priorities and
performance measures for resource protection, research, and
education programs; and guiding development of future budgets
and management activities. Management plan review, required
by law for all National Marine Sanctuaries, is conducted to
ensure that each site properly conserves and protects its nationally
significant living and cultural resources.
The
Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary's existing management
plan was published in July 1993. In December 1998 and January
1999, the Sanctuary initiated review of its management plan
by holding "scoping" meetings to ask the public for
comments on the status of site management. Scoping comments
generally include a broad range of information on scope, types
and significance of issues related to the Sanctuary's management.
The management plan review process continues with distribution
of this document as the forerunner to additional scoping meetings
and the public comment period planned for Summer 2002.
During
the initial scoping meetings of 1998/99, participants identified
concerns in need of further attention. Characterized as "issues,"
the following themes emerged as the general areas of concern.
The order of listing does not imply priority. Future public
comment on management of the Sanctuary is not limited to this
or any given set of issues.
•
Alteration of seafloor habitat and ecosystem protection
• Impacts of human activities on marine mammals
• Condition of water quality
• Lack of public awareness, and
• Effective enforcement
Over
the course of the next one-two years, management plan review
will continue to be a community-based process, providing numerous
opportunities for public participation. Many of you live near,
use or intrinsically value this special place that is Stellwagen
Bank National Marine Sanctuary. The management plan review process
is your chance to provide important input regarding the Sanctuary's
future and to ensure that its resources are protected, conserved
and properly used for benefit of current and future generations.
Reading this document should stimulate your interest in the
existing management plan and, ultimately, in future management
of the site.
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