Nominating MPAs to the National System of Marine Protected Areas

Eligible MPAs are invited to nominate their sites to be part of the national system of MPAs. The national system of MPAs is the group of MPA sites, networks and systems established and managed by all levels of government that collectively enhance conservation of the nation’s natural and cultural marine heritage and represent its diverse ecosystems and resources.  Although managed independently, national system MPAs work together at the regional and national levels to achieve common objectives for conserving the nation’s important natural and cultural resources. The national system does not bring state, territorial or local sites under federal authority, nor does it restrict or change the management of any MPA.

• How do I know if my site may be eligible?
• Download the nomination package

The first round of nominations was held in Fall 2008, which resulted in an initial group of 225 sites accepted into the national system. These sites were available for public review from March 6 through April 6, 2009, and were placed on the List of National System MPAs

The second round of national system nominations was held from August 6 - November 20, and a total of 32 existing MPAs were nominated to the national system. These sites were available for public review from January 7 through February 22, 2010. The MPA Center is now in the process of forwarding all comments received to the managing agency, which will then reaffirm or withdraw the site’s nomination based on comments received. After final MPA Center review, mutually accepted MPAs will be formally accepted into the national system of MPAs.

Entry Criteria

1. Meets the definition of an MPA as defined in the Final Framework
2. Has a management plan (can be site-specific or part of a broader programmatic management plan)
3. Contributes to at least one priority conservation objective as listed in the Framework
4. Cultural heritage MPAs must also conform to criteria for the National Register for Historic Places.

Nomination Process

• The MPA Center will use existing information in the MPA Inventory to identify potentially eligible MPAs, and they will be invited to nominate their sites.
• Managing entities submit a nomination form for each nominated MPA to the MPA Center.
• A list of nominated sites will be published in a Federal Register notice and posted on www.mpa.gov for a 30-day public comment period. .
• Based on public comment, managing entities will reaffirm or withdraw their nominations.
• After final MPA Center review, mutually agreed upon MPAs will be accepted into the national system.
• MPAs accepted into the national system will be listed in the official List of National System MPAs, which will be published in the Federal Register and on www.mpa.gov.

Frequently Asked Questions about Joining the National System of MPAs

Links
MPA Executive Order 13158
Framework for the National System of MPAs
Priority Conservation Objectives Fact Sheet
Nomination Process Fact Sheet
Definition of Marine Protected Areas
Science and Analysis Page
Marine Protected Areas Inventory
Fact Sheets
Frequently Asked Questions about MPAs
Archive: Developing the National System of MPAs

For More Information
mpainfo@noaa.gov