Monterey bay national marine sanctuary water quality management: The use of coordinating mechanisms

Abstract

Abstract Marine areas of national significance may receive additional measures of resource protection through designation as national marine sanctuaries. Until recently, the primary means to protect the water quality of designated sanctuaries was through prohibiting ocean dumping and oil and gas activities. This focus paralleled other national efforts directed at protecting the marine environment. Coastal waters have received inadequate attention, and as a result, their overall health is threatened. Congress has turned its attention to this issue, and the opportunity currently exists for the National Marine Sanctuaries Program to address threats to water quality in marine areas with which they have been entrusted. A recently signed Memorandum of Agreement addresses water quality concerns of the newly designated Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary and serves as an illustration of the type of coordinating mechanism that is necessary to address these issues in areas of overlapping jurisdictions.