US Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
MPA NOAA
National Marine Protected Area Center
About MPAs About MPAs
Definitions, criteria, classification system and description of MPA programs
National System National System
Members, goals and objectives of the National System of MPAs
Data & Analysis Data & Analysis
Databases, MPA analysis reports and mapping products
Resources Resources
MPA Virtual Library, educational materials, publications and multi-media products
Science & Stewardship Science & Stewardship
Ocean Uses Atlas, MPA effectiveness, navigating MPAs, and ecological gap analysis
Advisory Committee Advisory Committee
Members, bios, upcoming meetings and meeting minutes from the MPA Federal Advisory Committee

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MPA Mapping Tool

MPA Inventory

National System of MPAs

MPA Virtual Library

Fact Sheets

MPA Center Publications
Updated: U.S. MPAs in Proximity of the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill
>> Click here for a map showing all MPAs
>> Click here for a set of more detailed maps
Special Current issue sponsored by the MPA Center

MPA Center sponsored edition of Current

Marine Protected Areas

The National System of Marine Protected Areas

The U.S. is implementing a comprehensive, science-based and effective national system of MPAs. The national system will include existing MPAs across all levels of government to protect important habitats and resources.

The List of National System MPAs

The List of National System MPAs is the official inventory of all MPAs that have been formally included in and recognized as part of the National System of MPAs.

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