NATIONAL MARINE SANCTUARIES AND MARINE PROTECTED AREAS
National Marine Sanctuaries are protected areas, administered by NOAA which contain abundant and diverse natural resources such as marine mammals, seabirds, fishes, and tide pool invertebrates. These areas are particularly sensitive to environmental damage such as spills of oil and other hazardous materials, discharges, and groundings. Exercise particular caution and follow applicable Sanctuary regulations when transiting these areas to avoid environmental impacts. A full description of Sanctuary regulations may be found in 15 CFR Part 922 and in the U.S. Coast Pilot 7.