States, Commonwealths, and Territorial Marine Managed Area Programs

States use a wide variety of site designation authorities to protect and manage natural and cultural coastal and marine resources. Nationwide, there are more than 100 state, territorial, and commonwealth agencies with area-based management authority. Every state and territory has different bureaus, departments, and divisions that regulate the environment, manage lands, and regulate commerce. These pages contain information on each coastal and marine state, commonwealth, or territory’s marine managed area programs, agencies, and legislation.

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