Introduction- Gray's Reef Management Plan

I. INTRODUCTION
A. Purpose and Scope of a Sanctuary Management Plan
B. Legislative and Policy Context for Sanctuary Management
C. Gray's Reef National Marine Sanctuary
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A. Purpose and Scope of a Sanctuary Management Plan

The management of a national marine sanctuary is based on provisions set forth in a site-specific management plan. The act of designating an area as a sanctuary emphasizes its national importance and encourages more caution with respect to activities impinging upon it. A management plan provides the mechanisms needed to direct and coordinate the various activities that may affect the sanctuary environment to ensure that the purposes of the sanctuary are met. A wide range of issues that concern a sanctuary area, its resources and its uses are addressed in the management plan.

Management planning is a continuous process that involves information gathering and analysis. Through this process management concerns are identified which in turn are translated into management goals and objectives. Specific programs for resource protection, research and monitoring, interpretation and recreation, administration and surveillance and enforcement evolve as the means for achieving the goals and objectives. The management plan ties these programs together and provides a comprehensive, but flexible, strategy for sanctuary management.

A management plan is designed to inform sanctuary users and the general public about programs that are planned for the particular sanctuary over time. It also describes programmatic policies and procedures that apply to the national program and to the individual site. A management plan is long-term in scope, yet in order to provide for continuous management planning, it is periodically reviewed and fine-tuned as appropriate experience and information are gained.

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B. Legislative and Policy Context for Sanctuary Management

1. Marine Protection, Research and Sanctuaries Act

Title III of the Marine Protection, Research and Sanctuaries Act of 1972 authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to designate ocean waters as national marine sanctuaries for the purpose of preserving or restoring their conservation, recreational, ecological, or esthetic values. Title III of the Act is a broad-based mandate that allows for comprehensive management of special marine resources. It offers a measure of protection not found under existing statutes. The Act is administered by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) through the National Ocean Service (NOS), Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management (OCRM), Sanctuary and Reserves Division (SRD).

2. National Marine Sanctuary Program Mission and Goals

The National Marine Sanctuary Program's mission is to establish a system of national marine sanctuaries through the identification, designation and comprehensive management of special marine areas for

the long-term benefit and enjoyment of the public. Sanctuaries are designated to meet the following goals:

  • Enhance resource protection through the implementation of a comprehensive, long-term management plan;

    Promote and coordinate research to expand scientific knowledge of significant marine areas and to improve management decision making;

    Enhance public awareness, understanding and wise use of the marine environment through public interpretive and recreational programs; and

    Provide for optimum compatible public and private use of special marine areas.

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    C. Gray's Reef National Marine Sanctuary

    Gray's Reef National Marine Sanctuary was designated in January 1981 to provide protection and comprehensive management for one of the largest and most popular nearshore live bottom reefs on the South Atlantic Continental Shelf. Located 17.5 nautical miles east of Sapelo Island, Georgia (Fig. I-l), the site is a haven for a variety of marine plants, invertebrates, fishes, and sea turtles.

    Under the direction of the National Marine Sanctuary Program, Gray's Reef National Marine Sanctuary will insure that activities related to the live bottom habitat and communities are compatible and that resource use is balanced with resource conservation. It will provide a "living laboratory" for research directed toward management issues and will offer interesting and informative interpretive and recreational programs aimed at enhancing public awareness and appreciation for the sanctuary area. The Sanctuary guarantees that Gray's Reef will remain a valuable resource for the benefit and enjoyment of future generations .

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