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Public Administration

Public Administration

Public Administration includes government institutions that administer, oversee, and manage governmental programs. It includes the administration of economic programs, environmental quality, housing and urban development, public health, human resources, justice and public order, and space research and technology.

CMap

Collaboration and partnering refers to working together to achieve a goal. Contact Uses, such as biological additions, physical damage, and biological harvesting, are activities in which humans create pressures through direct contact with the ecosystem. Cultural services are the nonmaterial benefits people obtain from ecosystems through spiritual enrichment, cognitive development, recreational opportunities, aesthetic experiences, sense of place, and educational and research opportunities. Decision Support is a broad, generic term that encompasses all aspects related to supporting people in making decisions. Discharges are the intentional or unintentional distribution of chemicals, debris, or other pollution, into the environment as a consequence of human activities. Ecosystem services are the benefits people obtain from ecosystems . Funding and incentives are budgetary decisions by public administration to improve the effectiveness of decisions through daily operations, research, monitoring, and outreach. Landscape Changes are alterations of the natural landscape through human activities, including coastal development, shoreline armoring, impervious surfaces, deforestation, or soil disturbance, which can alter water flow patterns and lead to pollutant runoff into coastal systems. The Reef Ecosystem includes a suite of abiotic variables that form the physical and chemical environment. Political pressure is public demand for government action on certain management or policy concerns. Pressures are human activities that create stress on the environment. Provisioning services are the products or ecosystem goods obtained from ecosystems, including seafood, genetic and biochemical resources, pharmaceuticals, ornamental resources, and water resources. Public Administration includes government institutions that administer, oversee, and manage governmental programs. The state of the Reef Ecosystem is the condition, in terms of quantity and quality, of the abiotic and biotic components including physical, chemical, and biological variables. Reef Life is the abundance, distribution, and condition of the biological components of the coral reef ecosystem. Regulating Services are benefits obtained from ecosystem processes that regulate the environment, including erosion regulation, natural hazard regulation, and climate regulation. Responses are actions taken by groups or individuals in society and government to prevent, compensate, ameliorate or adapt to changes in Ecosystem Services or their perceived value. The Security Sector provides security to the country and its people effectively and under democratic principles. Security and public administration policies are responses to improve the decision-making and enforcement abilities of governmental institutions. Security policies include all actions that ensure the public is safe and secure. Socio-Economic Drivers include the sectors that fulfill human needs for Food & Raw Materials, Water, Shelter, Health, Culture, and Security, and the Infrastructure that supports the sectors. Supporting services are ecological processes that indirectly benefit humans by maintaining a functional ecosystem for the production of other ecosystem goods and services.

CMap Description

A change in the provision of ecosystem services, or a desire to improve provision of ecosystem services, may elicit responses from public administration to manage and reduce stressors on the reef ecosystem for the benefit of society. Governmental agencies can request addition funding or provide incentives for research, monitoring, education , or outreach that are particularly relevant for research goals. Collaboration and partnering can improve the effectiveness of management by integrating the efforts of academic and government institutions, or incorporating the knowledge and support of local stakeholders. Decision support activities, including development of management plans, conducting environmental assessments, utilizing decision support tools, managing data, or acquiring additional personnel can improve the effectiveness of decisions. Political pressure can influence the activities of public administration to target particular management concerns. Law enforcement, including surveillance or penalties, can also improve the effectiveness of regulations and laws.

Citations

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Citation Year Study Location Study Type Database Topics

Management Options

Management Option Description Sources Database Topics
Administrative & Interagency Policy: Participate in Technical Advisory Committees The technical advisory committee can meet once or twice a year with reef managers to help develop agendas on the design and prioritization of water quality and ecological research and monitoring. This provides managers the opportunity to list research/monitoring priorities to federal, state, and local government entities. NOAA Marine Sanctuary Program. 2007. Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary revised management plan. National Ocean Service, Key West, FL.

Biological Monitoring, Mapping, & Scientific Research; Chemical Variables; Collaboration & Partnering; Ecosystem Monitoring & Restoration; Environmental Education & Outreach; Environmental Monitoring, Mapping, & Scientific Research; Physical & Chemical Water Quality Criteria; Physical Variables; Political Pressure; Public Administration; Scientific Research; Security & Public Administration Policies
Administrative & Interagency Policy: Continued Staff Training It is important that staff be properly educated and trained to perform their designated tasks, but it is equally important to keep staff familiar with applicable agency directive and regulation through training and communication. Some strategies for this include information technology-based reference and guidance, regularly scheduled meetings (#210), and through in-service trainings. NOAA Marine Sanctuary Program. 2007. Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary revised management plan. National Ocean Service, Key West, FL.

Beaches & Nature Parks; Collaboration & Partnering; Decision Support; Education & Information; Environmental Education & Outreach; Marine Protected Areas; Museums, Amusement Parks, Historical Sites; Public Administration; Security & Public Administration Policies; Tourism & Recreation; Travel Services & Tour Operators
Administrative & Interagency Policy: Conduct Staff Meetings Several types of staff meetings should be regularly scheduled to fulfill a variety of purposes. Management meetings are necessary to address administrative policy matters. Internal staff meetings should be conducted to ensure necessary information is communicated among staff as to any changes, concerns, or developments. Meetings are an opportunity to review the sanctuary management plan (#213) and standard operating procedures (#208). External collaborators should be involved in meetings when an issue is being discussed that the collaborator is involved in, such as when standard operating procedures are being developed across agencies. Meetings can also be used as important staff training sessions. NOAA Marine Sanctuary Program. 2007. Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary revised management plan. National Ocean Service, Key West, FL.

Beaches & Nature Parks; Collaboration & Partnering; Decision Support; Education & Information; Environmental Education & Outreach; Marine Protected Areas; Museums, Amusement Parks, Historical Sites; Public Administration; Security & Public Administration Policies; Travel Services & Tour Operators
Administrative & Interagency Policy: Collaboratively Evaluate Management Plan Joint Actions As the NMSP continues to increase the rigor of its self-evaluation, the program would like to increase the frequency with which partners formally join with the local sanctuary in assessing the effectiveness of the joint-management actions. Each quarter, sanctuary staff should facilitate collaborative evaluation of one action plan within the management plan. In result, systematic rotation through the actions plans will be completed every few years. NOAA Marine Sanctuary Program. 2007. Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary revised management plan. National Ocean Service, Key West, FL.

Collaboration & Partnering; Decision Support; Education & Information; Public Administration; Security; Security & Public Administration Policies
Administrative & Interagency Policy: Develop Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) Develop and maintain standard operating procedures based on federal, state and agency directives and regulation in order to provide staff and programs with consistent and clear direction. NOAA Marine Sanctuary Program. 2007. Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary revised management plan. National Ocean Service, Key West, FL.

Collaboration & Partnering; Decision Support; Public Administration; Scientific Research; Security; Security & Public Administration Policies
Administrative & Interagency Policy: Participate in Science Community Networking It can be advantageous to actively participating in science-related committees, review panels, and other groups that collaborate on science issues relating to coral reefs, resource management, and other topics. This management option ensures that the local sanctuary is considered in regional planning, that there is broad-based recognition of scientific findings concerning the sanctuary, and that sanctuary expertise is shared with partners. NOAA Marine Sanctuary Program. 2007. Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary revised management plan. National Ocean Service, Key West, FL.

Collaboration & Partnering; Cultural Policies; Culture; Education & Information; Environmental Education & Outreach; Public Administration; Sectors Filling Human Needs; Security; Security & Public Administration Policies; Social Organizations
Administrative & Interagency Policy: Promote Interagency Collaboration in Policy Making The administrative office communicates with organizations and agencies involved in resource impacts or regulation to determine potential effects of Sanctuary management interest, to help develop policy statements, and to consult with affected agencies regarding sanctuary related policies. NOAA Marine Sanctuary Program. 2007. Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary revised management plan. National Ocean Service, Key West, FL.

Natural Resources Conservation Service. 2011. National Handbook of Conservation Practices. U.S. Department of Agriculture.

US EPA. EPA Retention/Detention. National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Menu of BMPs Accessed 3/25/2011.

Collaboration & Partnering; Cultural Policies; Decision Support; Education & Information; Public Administration; Security & Public Administration Policies
Administrative & Interagency Policy: Assess and Evaluate Sanctuary Management Plan Implementation This assessment should be conducted internally by sanctuary staff on an annual basis. It is important to revisit the sanctuaries management plan every year, to consider the progress and effectiveness of activities implemented over the previous year. Monitoring and research can also provide information that was unavailable when the management plan was first written. Performance evaluations should be performed routinely and be based on consistent measures. These evaluations can also be used to populate NMSP Report Cards and other performance requirements. This new knowledge and experience can be integrated into the plan and its implementation, in a type of adaptive management (#275). Accomplishments, changes and targets should all be discerned for the year to come. NOAA Marine Sanctuary Program. 2007. Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary revised management plan. National Ocean Service, Key West, FL.

Biological Monitoring & Restoration; Decision Support; Ecosystem Monitoring & Restoration; Environmental Monitoring & Restoration; Public Administration; Scientific Research; Security & Public Administration Policies
Agriculture & Aquaculture: Phase Out Unwanted Subsidies Subsidies are often offered to promote certain types of growth and development. At a later time, with changing priorities, it may be determined that these types of growth and development are no longer optimal. For example, sun grown coffee, was subsidized in Guancia Bay, PR, as it was expected to have higher future market demand. However, it requires clearing large tracts of land on steep, extremely erodible clay soils. This leads to high volumes of erosion because there is no vegetation to anchor the soil in place. Now these subsidies are promoting sun grown coffee even though shade grown is better for the land and reefs because it reduces erosion, extreme runoff, and adds vegetation to the land. Center for Watershed Protection. 2008. Guanica Bay watershed management plan.

Agriculture; Agriculture, Aquaculture, & Forestry Policies; Banks, Credit, & Securities; City Planning; Corporate Responses; Decision Support; Economic Markets & Policies; Finance & Insurance; Food & Energy Policies; Food & Raw Materials; Funding & Incentives; Infrastructural Policies; Infrastructure; Landuse Management; Political Pressure; Public Administration; Security; Security & Public Administration Policies
Conducting Socioeconomic Research: Support science of socioeconomic analysis of marine protected areas Little is known about applied socioeconomic analysis to marine protected areas. Funding support will be provided for scientists to meet and share information on this subject. NOAA Marine Sanctuary Program. 2007. Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary revised management plan. National Ocean Service, Key West, FL.

Contact Uses; Economic Markets & Policies; Funding & Incentives; Infrastructural Policies; Infrastructure; Marine Protected Areas; Pressures; Public Administration; Resource Use Management; Responses; Sectors Filling Human Needs; Security; Security & Public Administration Policies; Socio-Economic Drivers
Data Management & Decision Tools: Develop a Modeling Plan This would involve developing an overall plan for new predictive models focused on management needs. The plan will include discussion of preliminary conceptual models, data needs, data gathering, and model development and refinement. Models may incorporate both abiotic and biotic environmental factors. NOAA Marine Sanctuary Program. 2007. Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary revised management plan. National Ocean Service, Key West, FL.

Decision Support; Physical & Chemical Environment; Public Administration; Reef Life; Sectors Filling Human Needs; Security; Security & Public Administration Policies; Socio-Economic Drivers
Enforcement: Interpretive Enforcement Interpretive enforcement, sometimes called �soft� or positive enforcement, refers to approaches geared towards encouraging widespread voluntary compliance with laws, rules and regulations. Interpretive enforcement is based on the premise that most people, once informed about MPA regulations, want to do the right thing. This is the greatest level of compliance because it advocates understanding and public support of goals for reef management. The main objective of this management action is to increase public understanding of the importance to comply with regulations, achieve voluntary compliance, and promote public stewardship of historical and cultural marine resources through interpretive enforcement. Strategies that can help achieve these goals include developing special training programs, organizing events, implementing social marketing, targeting indigenous learning systems and changing cultural value systems. NOAA Marine Sanctuary Program. 2007. Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary revised management plan. National Ocean Service, Key West, FL.

Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources of the Department of Agriculture, and Department of the Interior and Local Government. 2001. Philippine Coastal Management Guidebook No. 8 Coastal Law Enforcement. No.8 Coastal Law Enforcement, Coastal Resource Management Project of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Cebu City, Philippines.

National Marine Sanctuaries. 2005. MPAs and Enforcement. Module 7, NOAA.

Cultural Policies; Culture; Decision Support; Education & Information; Environmental Education & Outreach; Funding & Incentives; Public Administration; Resource Use Management; Security & Public Administration Policies
Marine Zoning: Permitting Application & Award This management approach is important because permits assure protection and conservation of coral resources from harmful activities and practices. Within sanctuary waters, special use permits (#157) can be used to allow scientists and others to conduct necessary work while following permitting regulations to reduce the impact of that work. General permits are often required for altering land-use, construction projects and certain discharges. To be eligible for a permit, the operator may be required to conduct impact assessments, institute best management practices and conduct monitoring of the project. Though permits are a necessary precaution, the process can be streamlined through ensuring clear submittal requirements, and reducing redundancy. Redundancy often occurs when multiple agencies must approve a permit, a single point of contact and standard, inter-agency protocols can reduce unnecessary redundancy. NOAA Marine Sanctuary Program. 2007. Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary revised management plan. National Ocean Service, Key West, FL.

Biological Addition; Biological Harvest; Building & Home Construction; Coastal Development; Collaboration & Partnering; Cultural Policies; Discharges; Dredging, Draining, & Filling; Impervious Surfaces; Land-Based Civil Engineering; Landscape Changes; Landuse Management; Permitting & Zoning; Physical Damage; Point Source Discharges; Public Administration; Resource Use Management; Scientific Research; Security & Public Administration Policies; Special Use Permitting
Marine Zoning: Sanctuary Preservation Areas (SPAs) This is a type of Marine Zoning used by the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary (FKNMS). SPAs focus on the protection of shallow, heavily used reefs where conflicts occur between user groups, and where concentrated visitor activity leads to resource degradation. They are designed to enhance the reproductive capabilities of renewable resources, protect areas critical for sustaining and protecting important marine species, and reduce user conflicts in high-use areas. This is accomplished through a prohibition of consumptive activities within these areas. They have been chosen based on the status of important habitat, the ability of a particular area to sustain and protect the habitat, the level of visitor use, and the degree of conflict between consumptive and non-consumptive users. The actual size and location of these zones have been determined by examination of user patterns, aerial photography, and ground-truthing of specific habitats. NOAA Marine Sanctuary Program. 2007. Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary revised management plan. National Ocean Service, Key West, FL.

Accidental & Illegal Harvest; Anchoring & Vessel Grounding; Aquaculture; Aquarium & Pet Trade; Aquarium Stock; Artisanal Fishing; Beaches & Nature Parks; Biological Addition; Biological Harvest; Biological Monitoring & Restoration; Boat Movement; Boating Activities; Boating Regulations; Coastal Defense; Coastal Development; Coastal Engineering; Commercial Fisheries; Commercial Fishing Boats; Complex Habitat & Resources; Cruise Ships; Cultural Services; Decision Support; Designated Uses; Dive, Snorkeling, & Swimming Tourism; Dredging Regulations; Dredging, Draining, & Filling; Ecosystem Monitoring & Restoration; Educational & Research Opportunities; Entertainment & Accommodation Services; Environmental Monitoring & Restoration; Finfish & Shellfish Stock; Finfish Harvest; Fisheries & Hunting Policies; Fishing & Harvesting Management; Fishing Sector; Invertebrate Harvest; Landscape Changes; Large Ships; Live Collection; Marine Protected Areas; Oil & Gas Tankers; Ornamental Jewelry & Art; Permitting & Zoning; Physical Damage; Public Administration; Recreational Fishing; Recreational Opportunities; Resource Use Management; Security; Small Boats; Souvenir & Decorative Trade; Supporting Services; Tourism & Recreation; Tourism & Recreation Policies; Trampling; Travel Services & Tour Operators; Trawling & Fishing Gear Damage; Water Resources; Water Transportation
Measuring Sanctuary Performance Over Time: Monitor existing performance measures consistently over time The sanctuary staff should conduct routine performance evaluations to collect and record data on sanctuary performance over time. Using this data staff will determine effectiveness by evaluating progress towards achievement of each action plan�s desired outcomes, and assessing the role or added value of those outcomes in the overall accomplishment of site goals and objectives. Effectiveness will be evaluated for both the local sanctuary performance measures as well as NMSP national performance measure where applicable. NOAA Marine Sanctuary Program. 2007. Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary revised management plan. National Ocean Service, Key West, FL.

Collaboration & Partnering; Cultural Policies; Decision Support; Public Administration; Responses; Sectors Filling Human Needs; Security; Security & Public Administration Policies; Socio-Economic Drivers
Monitor & Research: Research Artificial Reef Siting, Size, and Materials Impact for Future Management Decisions The effects of artificial reefs on fish and invertebrate abundance and community composition and on other sanctuary resources need to be assessed. Siting and size considerations should include spatial components such as nearest natural reef, species connectivity, currents, distance to shore, expected use, hurricane occurances, etc. The longevity of artificial reefs composed of different materials needs to be evaluated and considered heavily. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. 2007. National Artificial Reef Plan: Guidelines for Siting, Construction, Development, and Assessment of Artificial Reefs. US Department of Commerce.

NOAA Marine Sanctuary Program. 2007. Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary revised management plan. National Ocean Service, Key West, FL.

Artificial Habitat; Biological Addition; Biological Monitoring & Restoration; Biological Monitoring, Mapping, & Scientific Research; Chemical Variables; Complex Habitat & Resources; Coral; Cultural Services; Decision Support; Ecosystem Monitoring & Restoration; Educational & Research Opportunities; Environmental Monitoring & Restoration; Finfish & Shellfish Stock; Fish; Invertebrates; Marine Debris; Physical Variables; Provisioning Services; Public Administration; Recreational Opportunities; Reef Habitat; Reef Inhabitants; Reef Life; Regulating Services; Seawater Flow; Security & Public Administration Policies; Shoreline Protection; Sponges; Storms & Hurricanes; Substrate; Tourism & Recreation Policies; Toxics; Water Resources; Wetland & Reef Restoration
Monitor & Research: Adaptive Management By definition, adaptive management is a structured management approach that links science to decision-making, thereby improving the probability of restoration success. It provides an efficient process to address risk and uncertainty inherent within ecosystem restoration by encouraging flexible plans and designs. Monitoring (#) is an important component of adaptive management. The affect of different restoration alternatives can be seen using monitoring data, and compared against other environmental variables to determine what the best future actions are based on results of previous projects. CERP Committee. 2006. Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan Adaptive Management Strategy.

Artificial Habitat; Biological Addition; Biological Monitoring & Restoration; Biological Monitoring, Mapping, & Scientific Research; Chemical Variables; Decision Support; Ecosystem Monitoring & Restoration; Educational & Research Opportunities; Environmental Monitoring & Restoration; Environmental Monitoring, Mapping, & Scientific Research; Landscape Changes; Landscape Conservation & Restoration; Landuse Management; Physical Variables; Public Administration; Regulating Services; Remediation; Scientific Research; Supporting Services
Public Participation: Conduct Public Forums This option ensures public involvement in local reef management area decisions/events. Holding public forums on an as needed basis will encourage dialogue between management staff and stakeholders. During these forums reef staff can present information to help better educate the public through the forum as well as answering questions. NOAA Marine Sanctuary Program. 2007. Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary revised management plan. National Ocean Service, Key West, FL.

Cultural Policies; Environmental Education & Outreach; Public Administration
Regulatory Review and Development: Ensure Consistency Among Fishing Regulations Consistency will improve administrative and regulatory coordination between fisheries regulatory agencies. This involves using a protocol for drafting and revising fisheries regulations in order to implement a consistent set of regulations throughout the protected reef area. NOAA Marine Sanctuary Program. 2007. Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary revised management plan. National Ocean Service, Key West, FL.

Biological Harvest; Collaboration & Partnering; Commercial Fisheries; Contact Uses; Finfish Harvest; Fish; Fishing & Harvesting Management; Fishing Sector; Food & Energy Policies; Food & Raw Materials; Public Administration; Resource Use Management; Security; Security & Public Administration Policies; Security Policies
Regulatory Review and Development: Evaluate Channel & Reef Navigation Markers This option would evaluate the need for proper marking to ensure better navigation. There are many types of markers, including buoys, charts, beacons, and GPS mapping. Such markers can also be used to advocate prohibition on vessel speeds greater than idle speed in areas designated as idle-speed only/no-wake and around shallow reef locations. NOAA Marine Sanctuary Program. 2007. Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary revised management plan. National Ocean Service, Key West, FL.

Anchoring & Vessel Grounding; Beach & Land Formation; Boat Movement; Boating Activities; Boating Regulations; Coastal Development; Contact Uses; Cultural Services; Culture; Decision Support; Designated Uses; Dive, Snorkeling, & Swimming Tourism; Dredging Regulations; Permitting & Zoning; Physical Damage; Provisioning Services; Public Administration; Recreational Fishing; Recreational Opportunities; Security & Public Administration Policies; Small Boats; Tourism & Recreation; Trampling; Transportation Policies; Water Depth & Sea Level; Water Resources; Water Transportation
Resource Use Management: Fisheries Management Enforcement Marine protected areas and other types of coastal zone management areas have fisheries management policies that must be enforced in addition to the broader Statues, Regulation and Permit Requirements (#91). Illegal, unregulated and unreported (IUU) fishing is a major problem worldwide. Management area policies must be enforced to have an impact on the fisheries stock. Accidental & Illegal Harvest; Artisanal Fishing; Biological Harvest; Boating Activities; Boating Regulations; Commercial Fisheries; Decision Support; Designated Uses; Ecosystem Monitoring & Restoration; Finfish Harvest; Fishing & Harvesting Management; Fishing Sector; Invertebrate Harvest; Live Collection; Marine Protected Areas; Mitigation; Permitting & Zoning; Physical Damage; Public Administration; Recreational Fishing; Resource Use Management; Security Policies; Special Use Permitting; Tourism & Recreation; Trawling & Fishing Gear Damage
Restoration: Environmental Remediation Environmental Remediation is a type of restoration that's focus ranges from Brownfields to Oil Spills to Hazardous Waste Sites. These restoration activities aim to restore the site to a previous condition, or to a condition that is not a threat to human health or other forms of life. Several standards can be used to determine when remediation is necessary and to what extent the environment should be restores. Biocriteria can be used to determine the degree of degradation to biological components of the site. Often it is the presence of a particular pollutant in the soil, water or air, which is above acceptable limits and will not degrade fast enough over a short period of time and therefore must be removed. Physical and chemical water quality criteria can be used to set maximum acceptable limits of water quality parameters. Air quality criteria can be used to set acceptable maximum and minimum air standards for remediation. Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response. 2005. Contaminated Sediment Remediation Guidance for Hazardous Waste Sites. EPA-540-R-05-012, US Environmental Protection Agency.

Environment Protection Authority. EPA Guidelines for Environmental management of on-site remediation. Environment Protection Authority, Adelaide, Australia.

Applied Chemicals; Biocriteria; City Planning; Decision Support; Discharge Limitations; Discharges; Ecosystem Monitoring & Restoration; Environmental Monitoring & Restoration; Environmental Monitoring, Mapping, & Scientific Research; Food, Beverage, & Tobacco Products; Health; Health Policies; Landuse Management; Littering; Manufacturing & Trade; Metals, Electronics, & Machinery Products; Military; Mining; Mining Policies; Mitigation; Monetary Valuation; Nutrient & Contaminant Processing; Oil & Gas Industry; Oil & Gas Rigs; Oil & Gas Tankers; Petroleum Spills; Physical & Chemical Water Quality Criteria; Pipelines; Point Source Discharges; Public Administration; Remediation; Security; Solid Waste Disposal; Supporting Services; Toxics; Valuation; Waste Management; Waste Management Policies; Wastewater Discharge; Waterborne Discharges; Wood, Plastics, & Chemical Products
Wastewater Pollutants Impacts: Wastewater Pollutant Monitoring and Impact Studies Potential approaches to this management option include experimental studies, eutrophication gradient studies, comparative studies of impacted and non-impacted sites, historical studies, geography comparison, use of biochemical and ecological indicators, use of sewage tracers, and high-frequency and spatially intensive water quality sampling. NOAA Marine Sanctuary Program. 2007. Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary revised management plan. National Ocean Service, Key West, FL.

Chemical Variables; Discharge Limitations; Discharges; Drinking Water Supply; Ecosystem Monitoring & Restoration; Environmental Monitoring & Restoration; Environmental Monitoring, Mapping, & Scientific Research; Health Policies; Infrastructure; Non-point Source Controls; Nutrients; Physical & Chemical Environment; Physical & Chemical Water Quality Criteria; Point & Mobile Source Controls; Point Source Discharges; Pressures; Public Administration; Responses; Sectors Filling Human Needs; Security; Socio-Economic Drivers; Utilities; Waste Management Policies; Wastewater Discharge; Water; Waterborne Discharges
Water Quality Management: Landfill & Solid Waste Disposal Site Assessment Strategy This option seeks to reduce/eliminate pollution from leaching at landfill sites. High risk, old landfill sites that may have hazardous waste must be identified. Once identified, monitoring at these landfills should be intensified to insure leaching does not occur into marine systems. NOAA Marine Sanctuary Program. 2007. Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary revised management plan. National Ocean Service, Key West, FL.

Chemical Variables; Discharge Limitations; Discharges; Ecosystem Monitoring & Restoration; Environmental Monitoring & Restoration; Environmental Monitoring, Mapping, & Scientific Research; Health; Health Policies; Littering; Nutrient & Contaminant Processing; Nutrients; Point & Mobile Source Controls; Public Administration; Remediation; Security; Security & Public Administration Policies; Solid Waste Disposal; Toxics; Utilities; Waste Management; Waste Management Policies
Water Quality Plans: Resource Monitoring of Surface Discharges This strategy will identify the impacts of point-source discharges by requiring all National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System dischargers to develop monitoring programs. NOAA Marine Sanctuary Program. 2007. Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary revised management plan. National Ocean Service, Key West, FL.

Decision Support; Discharge Limitations; Discharges; Ecosystem Monitoring & Restoration; Environmental Monitoring & Restoration; Environmental Monitoring, Mapping, & Scientific Research; Health; Health Policies; Infrastructure; Physical & Chemical Environment; Point & Mobile Source Controls; Point Source Discharges; Pressures; Public Administration; Responses; Sectors Filling Human Needs; Security; Security & Public Administration Policies; Socio-Economic Drivers; Utilities; Waste Management; Waste Management Policies; Waterborne Discharges
Waterway Management: Collaborate with Projects Changing Water-Flow Other organizations may be performing restorative freshwater projects (Everglades Restoration) or other flow altering projects (e.g. canals for small boats, agricultural irrigation etc) that affect the downstream marine management area (Florida Bay). Projects on the coast that involve hydrologic modifications (such as changing salinity) must be closely monitored in order to protect reef quality. Reefs are very sensitive systems and can only survive in a narrow salinity range. By taking an active role and monitoring freshwater flow projects, management staff can better ensure proper consideration of the impact on coastal marine environments. NOAA Marine Sanctuary Program. 2007. Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary revised management plan. National Ocean Service, Key West, FL.

Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan. 2010. Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan: 2009 System Status Report.

Collaboration & Partnering; Dam Construction & Maintenance; Decision Support; Discharge Limitations; Discharges; Ditching & Soil Disturbance; Ecosystem Monitoring & Restoration; Hydrologic Management; Landscape Changes; Point Source Discharges; Public Administration; Salinity; Security & Public Administration Policies; Surface & Groundwater Flow; Water Transportation; Waterborne Discharges
Waterway Management: Boat Access Plan An optimal boat access strategy involves conducting a survey of all public and private boat access points throughout the area. Once entry and exit sites are identified, channel markings can be placed accordingly. An effective strategy must also consider boat access needs, location, and intensity of use. This will help to efficiently mark the waterways so that there can be a reduction in damage to reefs, seagrasses and wetlands. NOAA Marine Sanctuary Program. 2007. Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary revised management plan. National Ocean Service, Key West, FL.

Anchoring & Vessel Grounding; Artisanal Fishing; Boat Movement; Boating Activities; Boating Regulations; Commercial Fisheries; Contact Uses; Cultural Policies; Culture; Decision Support; Dive, Snorkeling, & Swimming Tourism; Dredging, Draining, & Filling; Landscape Changes; Physical Damage; Public Administration; Recreational Fishing; Resource Use Management; Security; Security & Public Administration Policies; Tourism & Recreation; Tourism & Recreation Policies; Trampling; Transportation; Trawling & Fishing Gear Damage; Water; Water Resources; Water Transportation

Laws

Legal Citation Purpose of Law Management Organization Database Topics
Abandoned Shipwreck Act of 1987, 43 United States Code §§ 2101-2106. To establish title to certain abandoned shipwrecks. U. S. Government asserted three categories of abandoned shipwrecks; embedded in a State's submerged lands, embedded in corralline formations protected by a State on its submerged lands, located on a State's submerged lands and included or determined eligible for inclusion in the National Register of historic Places.

Application to Coral Reefs:The Act requires, but is not limited to, development by NPS of guidelines for States and Federal agencies to develop appropriate and consistant policies to protect national resources and habitat areas, and to provide for public and private sector recovery consistant with historical values and environmental integrety. Corralline structures are specifically protected by the Act.

Legislative Actions:Specific response will vary from Federal agency to Federal agency and State to State.

Comments:The NPS published non-binding, advisory guidelines for States and Federal agencies to establish, review, revise, and implement programs to manage shipwrecks under their ownership or control. The guidance is entitled "Abondoned Shipwreck Act Guidelines."  
National Park Service

Jurisdiction:
United States; US State Waters
Artificial Habitat; Coral; Designated Uses; Marine Protected Areas; Public Administration; Resource Use Management; Tourism & Recreation Policies; Waste Management Policies; Wetlands
Anadromous Fish Conservation Act of 1965, as amended, 16 United States Code § 757. The Act is intended to conserve anadromous fish. It authorizes the Secretatries of Interior and Commerce to enter into cooperatve agreements with states and other non-federal interests for conservation, development and enhancement of anadromous fish and contribute up to fifty percent as the federal share of the cost of carrying out such agreements. Reclamation construction projects for water resource projects needed solely for such fish are also authorized.

Application to Coral Reefs:

Legislative Actions:Projects are for conservation, development, and enhancement on fisheries.

Comments:
Department of Interior/Department of Commerce

Jurisdiction:
United States
Apex Fish Predators; Biocriteria; Collaboration & Partnering; Designate Protected Species; Finfish & Shellfish Stock; Finfish Harvest; Fish; Fishing & Harvesting Management; Public Administration; Resource Use Management
Archaeological Resources Protection Act of 1979 as amended, 16 United States Code § 470. To protect historic ruins, monuments, and objects of antiquity. Strenghtens and expands the protective provisions of the Antiquities Act of 1906 regarding archeological resources. It also revised the permitting process for conducting archeological research.

Application to Coral Reefs:

Legislative Actions:

Comments:
National Park Service

Jurisdiction:
United States; US Territorial Waters; US Territories; Designated Marine Areas; US Virgin Islands
Biological Monitoring & Restoration; Coastal Development; Cultural Policies; Ecosystem Monitoring & Restoration; Educational & Research Opportunities; Existence Value & Sense of Place; Public Administration; Recreational Opportunities; Resource Use Management; Responses; Special Use Permitting; Tourism & Recreation Policies
Clean Water Act of 1974, 33 United States Code § 1252. To restore and maintain the chemical, physical, and biological integrity of the Nation's waters

Application to Coral Reefs:The Act can be used to establish water quality standards for the disharge of pollutants into surface waters. Section 101 (3) stated that it will be the national policy that the discharge of toxic pollutants in toxic amounts will be prohibited. The legislation employs a variety of regulatory and nonregulatory tools to reduce direct pollutant discharges into waterways, finance wastewater treatment facilities, and manage polluted runoff. The tools are employed to achieve the broad goal of restoring and maintaining the chemical, physical, and biological integrity of the nation's waters so they can support "the protection and propagation of fish, shellfish, and wildlife and recreation in and on the water."

Legislative Actions:During the late 1980's, the program shifted from program-by-program, source by source, pollutant-by-pollutant approach to more holistic water-shed strategies. Under the watershed approach equal emphasis is placed on protecting healthy waters and restoring impaired waters. Also during the 1980's, voluntary programs for nonpoint runoff and regulatory programs for wet weather point sources began to be addressed.

Comments:The Federal Water Pollution Contrl Act Amendments of 1972, PL 92-500, replaced the previous language of the Act entirely, including the Water Quality Act of 1965, the Clean Water Restoration Act of 1965, and the Water Quality Improvement Act of 1970, all of which had been amendments of the Water Pollution Control Act first passed in 1956. The 1977 amendments, PL 95-217, further amended PL 92-500.
US Environmental Protection Agency

Jurisdiction:
United States; US Territories
Agriculture, Aquaculture, & Forestry Policies; Biocriteria; Collaboration & Partnering; Construction Codes & Projects; Corporate Responses; Drinking Water Supply; Economic Markets & Policies; Energy Policy & Development; Hydrologic Management; Improved Technology; Mangroves; Microorganisms; Non-point Source Controls; Nutrient & Contaminant Processing; Nutrients; Physical & Chemical Water Quality Criteria; Point & Mobile Source Controls; Point Source Discharges; Political Pressure; Public Administration; Remediation; Resource Use Management; Seagrasses; Sewage Treatment; Waste Management Policies; Wastewater Discharge
Coastal Barrier Resources Act of 1982 (CBRA), 16 United States Code §§ 3501 et seq. Promote more appropriate use and conservation of coastal barriers along the Atlantic, Gulf and Great Lakes coastlines. Minimize the loss of human life; reduce wasteful expenditures on shoreline development; minimize damage to wildlife, marine life, and other natural services, and establish a coastal barrier resources system.

Application to Coral Reefs:Development of coastal barrier islands can cause sedimentation, through runoff and construction activities, that could reach inshore coral reefs.

Legislative Actions:Restrict most federal expenditures and financial assistance that encourage development including federal flood insurance.

Comments:Recognized coastal barriers as essential habitat for many fish, water fowl and other aquatic animals.
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

Jurisdiction:
United States
Building & Home Construction; Coastal Development; Coral; Funding & Incentives; Marine Protected Areas; Non-point Source Runoff; Public Administration; Resource Use Management; Sediment; Wetlands
Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972, 16 United States Code §§ 1451-1456. Preserve, protect, develop, and where possible, to restore or enhance the resources of the Nation's coastal zone for this and succeeding generations.

Application to Coral Reefs:Protection of coastal areas can have an indirect influence on coral reef preservation and conservation by the use of environmentally sound construction and development by limiting runoff of contaminants and sediment that could have an adverse effect on inshore coral reefs if present.

Legislative Actions:In addition, the Act authorized a national system of estuarine sanctuaries and the establishment of national field laboratories with a 50/50 cost-sharing grants with coastal states.

Comments:
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration/US Fish and Wildlife Service

Jurisdiction:
United States; State Coastal Waters
City Planning; Coastal Development; Collaboration & Partnering; Construction Codes & Projects; Corporate Responses; Designated Uses; Economic Markets & Policies; Environmental Education & Outreach; Environmental Monitoring, Mapping, & Scientific Research; Fishing & Harvesting Management; Funding & Incentives; Hydrologic Management; Landscape Changes; Landuse Management; Marine Debris; Marine Protected Areas; Non-point Source Controls; Nutrients; Permitting & Zoning; Point & Mobile Source Controls; Political Pressure; Public Administration; Resource Use Management; Sediment; Tourism & Recreation Policies; Transportation Policies; Waste Management Policies; Waterborne Discharges; Wetlands
Coral Reef Conservation Act of 2000, 16 United States Code § 6401 (2000). To preserve, sustain, and restore the condition of coral reef ecosystems, to promote the wise management and sustainable use of coral reef ecosystems, to benefit local communities and the Nation, to develop sound scientific information on the condition of coral reef ecosystems and threats to the ecosystems, to assist in the preservation of coral reefs by supporting and financing conservation programs including local and non-governmental programs, establish a formal mechanism for collecting and allocating monetary donations from the private sector to be used for coral reef conservation projects

Application to Coral Reefs:Allowed the development of programs and projects, and provided financing for developing sound scientific data to preserve and restore coral reefs. Continued the Coral Reef Task Force and Coral Reef Initiative started under Executive Order 13089 (1998).

Legislative Actions:Provided funding for matching grants, encouraged education and outreach, encouaged cooperative conservation and management through partnerships with other federal, state, regional and local partners including citizen groups.

Comments:The Act is administrative, not regulatory. It established four major programs; (1) The National Coral Reef Action Strategy established goals for research, monitoring and conservation, (2, 3) The Coral Reef Conservation Program and Coral Reef Conservation Fund provided financial assistance for coral reef projects, (4) the National Program facilitated cooperative work between federal, state and regional efforts that work to improve coral reef ecosystems. The National Program also enhanced the public awareness of coral reefs through educational programs. The Act incorporated Executive Order 13,089 and provided coordinated funding activities through twelve federal agencies and seven states.
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Jurisdiction:
United States; US Coral Reefs
Biocriteria; Biological Monitoring, Mapping, & Scientific Research; Corporate Responses; Education & Information; Environmental Education & Outreach; Environmental Monitoring, Mapping, & Scientific Research; Fishing & Harvesting Management; Food & Raw Materials; Funding & Incentives; Marine Debris; Marine Protected Areas; Microorganisms; Public Administration; Remediation; Utilities
Emergency Wetlands Resources Act of 1986, 16 United States Code §§ 3501 et seq. Promote the conservations of wetlands for public benefit and to assist in the compliance with international obligations under various treaties and conventions for migratory birds.

Application to Coral Reefs:Indirect application to protection of coral reefs through wetland functions of nutrient (particularly nitrogen) and sediment removal from land-based discharges prior to their entrance into open coastal waters.

Legislative Actions:Authorizied the purchase of wetlands from the land and Water Conservation Fund monies. Required States to include wetlands in their Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plans.

Comments:Secretary of Interior was required to establish a National Wetland Priority Conservation Plan to identify the locations and types of wetlands that should be priorities for state and federal acquisition. The Act established various fee schedules for entering national wildlife refuges.  
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

Jurisdiction:
United States
Agriculture, Aquaculture, & Forestry Policies; Discharge Limitations; Funding & Incentives; Hydrologic Management; Landuse Management; Marine Birds; Non-point Source Controls; Nutrients; Permitting & Zoning; Public Administration; Resource Use Management; Sediment; Tourism & Recreation Policies; Waste Management Policies; Waterborne Discharges; Wetlands
Endangered Species Act of 1973, 16 United States Code §§ 1531-1544, 1361-1407. To protect animal and plant species currently in danger of extinction (endangered) and those that may become endangered in the foreseeable future (threatened). Authorized the determination and listing of species as endangered and threatened; Prohibited unauthorized taking, possession, sale, and transport of endangered species; Provided authority to acquire land for the conservation of listed species, using land and water conservation funds; Authorized establishment of cooperative agreements and grants-in-aid to states that establish and maintain active and adequate programs for endangered and threatened wildlife and plants; Authorized the assessment of civil and criminal penalties for violating the act or regulations; and Authorized the payment of rewards to anyone furnishing information leading to arrest and conviction for any violation of the act.

Application to Coral Reefs:Two species of coral are listed as threatened; elkhorn coral (Acropora palmata) and staghorn coral (Acropora cervicornis). They were placed on the list in 2006.Their habitat was listed as "critical habitat" in 2008.

Legislative Actions:The Act provided for criminal and civil penalties dependent on the sections of the Act under which violations occured. Criminal penalties may be imposed up to a maximum of $50,000 and not more than one year in prison. Civil penalties may be imposed up to a maximum of $25,000. The Act provided for rewards to citizens that report violations leading to sucessful prosecution. The rewards are paid from the fine received.

Comments:Listed species and critical habitats can be found in the Federal Register. The habitats for staghohn (73FR72210) and elkhorn (73FR72210) corals were declared critical in 2008. Since the entire coral reef is habitat for the species, critical designation could offer a method of protecting and conserving the reef. In this instance, by protecting individual species and their habitat, the entire reef is protected.
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration /National Marine Fisheries Service/USFish and Wildlife Service (consultations with all federal agncies responsible for section 7(a)(1) compliance

Jurisdiction:
United States
Biological Monitoring, Mapping, & Scientific Research; Coral; Designate Protected Species; Designated Uses; Environmental Monitoring, Mapping, & Scientific Research; Fishing & Harvesting Management; Public Administration; Resource Use Management
Exec. Order No. 11988, Management of Flood Prone Areas, 42 Federal Register 2691 (1977). This order requires all federal agencies to take action and avoid to the extent possible, adverse impacts over the short and long term associated with the occupation and modification of flood prone areas and to avoid direct or indirect aid to the development of flood prone areas whenever there is a viable alternative.

Application to Coral Reefs:

Legislative Actions:

Comments:
Federal Agencies

Jurisdiction:
United States
Building & Home Construction; Coastal Development; Landuse Management; Public Administration
Exec. Order No. 11990, Protection of Wetlands, 42 Federal Register 26961 (1977). Federal agencies are directed to provide leadership and take action to minimize the destruction, loss, or degradation of wetland and to preserve and enhance the natural and beneficial uses of wetlands.

Application to Coral Reefs:Protection and restoration of wetlands benefits coral reefs because wetlands stop nutrients and sediments from entering waterbodies and eventually reaching coral reefs and producing adverse effects.

Legislative Actions:The Order protects wetlands on projects on Federal lands. The agencies are to provide leadership to minimize the destruction, loss or degradation of wetlands, to preserve and enhance natural and beneficial values when carrying our their responsibilities.

Comments:
Federal agencies

Jurisdiction:
United States
Educational & Research Opportunities; Environmental Education & Outreach; Hydrologic Management; Mangroves; Nutrient & Contaminant Processing; Public Administration; Seagrasses; Security & Public Administration Policies; Wetlands
Exec. Order No. 12372, Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs, 47 Federal Register 30953 (1982). Seeks to foster intergovernmental partnerships by requiring federal agencies to use the state process to determine and address concerns of state and local elected officials with proposed federal assistance and development programs.

Application to Coral Reefs:

Legislative Actions:

Comments:
Federal agencies

Jurisdiction:
United States
Collaboration & Partnering; Public Administration
Exec. Order No. 13089, Coral Reef Protection, 63 Federal Register 32701 (1998). Protect coral reefs. Established the US Coral Reef Task Force

Application to Coral Reefs:The Task Force was assigned duties including developing and implementing research, in conjunction with the scientific community, to identify the major causes of coral reef degradation.

Legislative Actions:No penalties for noncompliance.

Comments:
12 federal agencies, 7 states and territories, 3 freely associated states

Jurisdiction:
United States; US Territorial Waters; US Territories; US Virgin Islands; Puerto Rico
Boating Regulations; Educational & Research Opportunities; Environmental Monitoring, Mapping, & Scientific Research; Existence Value & Sense of Place; Fishing & Harvesting Management; Hydrologic Management; Public Administration; Recreational Opportunities; Reef Life; Resource Use Management; Sectors Filling Human Needs; Special Use Permitting; Tourism & Recreation Policies
Fish and Wildlife Act of 1956, as amended, 16 United States Code § 742. Established a comprehensive national fish, shellfish, and wildlife resources policy with emphasis on commercial fishing industry but also with a direction to administer the Act with regard to the inherent right of every citizen and resident to fish for pleasure, enjoyment, and betterment and to maintain and increase public opportunities for recreational use of fish and wildlife.

Application to Coral Reefs:

Legislative Actions:

Comments:The 1998 amendments promoted voluteer programs and community partnerships for the benefit of national wildlife refuges.
US Fish and Wildlife Service

Jurisdiction:
United States
Bivalves; Commercial Fisheries; Designate Protected Species; Economic Markets & Policies; Environmental Education & Outreach; Environmental Monitoring, Mapping, & Scientific Research; Finfish Harvest; Fish; Fishing & Harvesting Management; Funding & Donations; Lobster, Crab, & Shrimp; Political Pressure; Public Administration; Recreational Fishing; Resource Use Management; Snails & Conch; Tourism & Recreation; Tourism & Recreation Policies
Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act of 1980, 16 United States Code §§ 2901-2911. Required the Service to monitor non-game bird and fish species, identify species of management concerns, and implement conservation measures to preclude the need for listing under the Endangered Species Act.

Application to Coral Reefs:

Legislative Actions:

Comments:
US Fish and Wildlife Service

Jurisdiction:
United States
Biological Monitoring, Mapping, & Scientific Research; Designate Protected Species; Finfish Harvest; Fish; Fishing & Harvesting Management; Funding & Incentives; Marine Birds; Marine Protected Areas; Public Administration; Resource Use Management
Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act, 16 United States Code §§ 2901-2911. To provide financial and technical assistance to the states for development, revision and implementation of conservation plans and programs for nongame fish and wildlife, and to encourage federal agencies to utilize their statutory and administrative authority to conserve and to promote the conservation of nongame fish and wildlife and their habitats.

Application to Coral Reefs:

Legislative Actions:

Comments:
Federal Agencies

Jurisdiction:
United States
Finfish & Shellfish Stock; Finfish Harvest; Funding & Incentives; Microorganisms; Point & Mobile Source Controls; Public Administration
Fish and Wildlife Improvement Act of 1978, 16 United States Code § 7421. Passed to improve the administration of fish and wildlife programs and amends several earlier laws, including the Refuge Recreation Act, the National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act, and the Fish and Wildlife Act of 1956. It authorizes the Secretary to accept gifts and bequests of real and personal property on behalf of the United States. It also authorizes the use of volunteers on Service projects and appropriations to carry out volunteer programs.

Application to Coral Reefs:

Legislative Actions:The Secretaries were authorized to establish, conduct and assist with national training programs for State fish and wildlife enforcement personnel.

Comments:The law provided authority to the Secretaries to enter into law enforcement cooperatives with State and other federal agencies.It expanded the use of fines, penalties and forfeiture funds received under the Endangered Species Act and Lacey Act to include the cost of shipping, storing and disposing of items.
Secretary of Interior and Secretary of Commerce, administration primarily through US Fish and Wildlife Service

Jurisdiction:
United States
Environmental Education & Outreach; Environmental Monitoring, Mapping, & Scientific Research; Public Administration; Resource Use Management
Fish and Wildlife Service Act of 1956, 16 United States Code § 742. Establishes a comprehensive national fish, shellfish, and wildlife resources policy with emphasis on the commercial fishing industry but also includes the inherent right of every citizen and resident to fish for pleasure, enjoyment, and betterment, and to maintain and increase public opportunities for recreational use of fish and wildlife resources. Among other things, it authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to take such steps as may be required for the development, advancement, management, conservation, and protection of fish and wildlife resources, including, but not limited to, research, development of existing facilities, and acquisition by purchase or exchange of land and water or interests therein.

Application to Coral Reefs:

Legislative Actions:The Act is written for the support of commercial and recreational fisherpersons so that they enjoy the benefits of the Nation's fishery resources.

Comments:
US Fish and Wildlife Service

Jurisdiction:
Commercial Fisheries; Designate Protected Species; Environmental Education & Outreach; Environmental Monitoring, Mapping, & Scientific Research; Finfish Harvest; Fish; Fishing & Harvesting Management; Fishing Sector; Lobster, Crab, & Shrimp; Public Administration; Recreational Fishing; Resource Use Management; Tourism & Recreation Policies
General Authorities Act of 1970, 16 United States Code §§ 1 et seq. Reinforces the National Park Services Act by uniting all areas administered by the NPS into one National Park System. The Act assures a common preservation purpose for all units, regardless of title or designation.

Application to Coral Reefs:

Legislative Actions:

Comments:
National Park Service

Jurisdiction:
United States
Environmental Education & Outreach; Public Administration; Security & Public Administration Policies; Tourism & Recreation Policies
Land and Water Conservation Fund Act of 1965, 16 United States Code § 4601. Provides funding through receipts from the sale of surplus federal land, appropriations from oil and gas receipts from the outer continental shelf, and other sources of land acquisition. Appropriations from the fund may be used for matching grants to states for outdoor recreation projects and for land acquisition by various federal agencies, including the Fish and Wildlife Service.

Application to Coral Reefs:Protection of wetlands benefits coral reefs through nutrient removal and the control of sedimentation so that they do not enter near shore waters.

Legislative Actions:The legislation was amended in 1986 by the Emergency Wetlands Resources Act and required the States to identify the agencies and organizations involved in wetland management, evaluate existing and proposed wetlands protection mechanisms, assess wetlands resources, identify wetlands loss and degradation factors, and establish priorities for protection.

Comments:
National Park Service

Jurisdiction:
United States
Educational & Research Opportunities; Environmental Monitoring, Mapping, & Scientific Research; Existence Value & Sense of Place; Funding & Donations; Landuse Management; Public Administration; Recreational Opportunities; Resource Use Management
Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972, 16 United States Code § 1361. With certain exceptions, the Act establishes a mortiorium on the taking and importation of marine mammals, as well as products that are made from them. DOI is responsible for sea otter, walrus, polar bear, diugong and manatee. The DOC is responsible for Cretaceans and piniped other than the walrus.

Application to Coral Reefs:

Legislative Actions:The legislation mandated the use of an ecosystem-based management approach to marine resource management. The Marine Mammal Commission was established and has specific advisory and research duties. Required that government observers aboard some fishing vessels.

Comments:The Act covers all species of marine mammals and plants, including anadromous fish, except for marine ammmals, birds, and highly migratory species, all of which are covered under other laws or treaties.
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration/National Marine Fisheries Service

Jurisdiction:
United States
Designate Protected Species; Environmental Monitoring, Mapping, & Scientific Research; Fishing & Harvesting Management; Political Pressure; Public Administration; Reef Inhabitants; Reef Life; Resource Use Management; Whales & Dolphins
National Environmental Education Act of 1990, 20 United States Code § 5501. Established the Office of Environmental Education within USEPA to develop and administer a federal environmental education program in consultation with other federal natural reource management agencies.

Application to Coral Reefs:The Act could be used as a tool to educate the public about the values of coral reefs

Legislative Actions:

Comments:
US Environmental Protection Agency

Jurisdiction:
United States
Collaboration & Partnering; Cultural Services; Educational & Research Opportunities; Environmental Education & Outreach; Existence Value & Sense of Place; Public Administration; Recreational Opportunities
National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, 42 United States Code §§ 4321-4377. Requires analysis, public comment, and reporting for environmental impacts of federal actions. It stipulates the factors to be considered in environmental impact statements, and requires that federal agencies employ an interdisciplinary approach in related decision-making and develop means to ensure unqualified environmental values are given appropriate consideration, along with economic and technical considerations.

Application to Coral Reefs:Requires an Environmental Assessment(EA), and potentially an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) if the project review finds there will be a significant impact. The EIS must detail the environmental impacts of the proposed action, unavoidable adverse environmental impacts, and alternatives to the proposed action. The resulting studies could protect sensitive environmental ecosystems, including coral reefs.

Legislative Actions:The Act potentially could protect coral reefs if the proposed federal project could have a significant impact on the reef.

Comments:The Act is completely procedural; it does not include specific regulations. The Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) was created by the Act. CEQ is part of the Executive Office of the President and one of the CEQ directives is to ensure that federal programs comply with NEPA. The puprose of the EIS is to disclose to the public and resource managers the probable long- and short-term impacts of the proposed project as well as consideration of less environmentally damaging alternatives to the recommended course of action.
Federal agencies

Jurisdiction:
United States
Agriculture, Aquaculture, & Forestry Policies; Biocriteria; Biological Monitoring, Mapping, & Scientific Research; Boating Regulations; Construction Codes & Projects; Decision Support; Designated Uses; Economic Markets & Policies; Energy Policy & Development; Environmental Monitoring, Mapping, & Scientific Research; Fishing & Harvesting Management; Landuse Management; Marine Debris; Microorganisms; Non-point Source Controls; Permitting & Zoning; Physical & Chemical Environment; Physical Variables; Point & Mobile Source Controls; Political Pressure; Public Administration; Reef Habitat; Reef Inhabitants; Reef Life; Remediation; Resource Use Management; Sectors Filling Human Needs; Security; Socio-Economic Drivers; Transportation Policies; Waste Management Policies; Wetlands
National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, 16 United States Code § 470. Congress established the federal government a full partner and a leader in historic preservation. The Act provides leadership for preservation, contributes to and give maximum encouragement to preservation and foster conditions under which our modern society and our prehistoric and historic resources can exist in productive harmony

Application to Coral Reefs:

Legislative Actions:

Comments:
National Park Service as administrator and all Federal agencies participating

Jurisdiction:
United States
Designated Uses; Public Administration; Resource Use Management
National Park Service Organic Act of 1916, 16 United States Code § 1. The Act was created to start the National Park Service within the Department of Interior for the purpose of promoting and regulating the use of federal areas such as national parks and monuments.

Application to Coral Reefs:

Legislative Actions:Created the National Park Service to be supervised by a Director.

Comments:
National Park Service

Jurisdiction:
United States
Boating Regulations; Collaboration & Partnering; Construction Codes & Projects; Designated Uses; Environmental Education & Outreach; Environmental Monitoring, Mapping, & Scientific Research; Fishing & Harvesting Management; Invasive Species; Landuse Management; Marine Protected Areas; Microorganisms; Permitting & Zoning; Political Pressure; Public Administration; Remediation; Resource Use Management; Tourism & Recreation Policies; Transportation Policies
National Park Service, Department of Interior,. To conserve the scenery, natural and historic objects, and wildlife of the National Parks; and to provide for the enjoyment of those resources in a sustainable manner. Regulations provide for the proper use, management, government, and protection of persons, property, and natural and cultural resources within areas under the jurisdiction of the National Park Service.

Application to Coral Reefs:

Legislative Actions:

Comments:
National Park Service

Jurisdiction:
United States
Biological Monitoring, Mapping, & Scientific Research; Boating Regulations; Construction Codes & Projects; Deforestation & Devegetation; Designated Uses; Economic Markets & Policies; Educational & Research Opportunities; Environmental Education & Outreach; Environmental Monitoring, Mapping, & Scientific Research; Existence Value & Sense of Place; Fishing & Harvesting Management; Landuse Management; Mangroves; Marine Debris; Marine Protected Areas; Permitting & Zoning; Political Pressure; Public Administration; Recreational Opportunities; Resource Use Management; Seagrasses; Tourism & Recreation; Tourism & Recreation Policies; Transportation Policies
National Parks Omnibus Management Act of 1998, 16 United States Code § 5901. To use state-of-the art methods of scientific research to improve managemnet decisions within the NPS.

Application to Coral Reefs:

Legislative Actions:The Act deals primarily with the management and operation of concessions within National Parks, but a section does mandate that state-of-the-art scientific reseach be utilized to manage the parks.

Comments:
National Park Service

Jurisdiction:
United States
Environmental Monitoring, Mapping, & Scientific Research; Public Administration
Neotropical Migratory Bird Conservation Act of 2000, 16 United States Code § 6101. Established a matching grant program to fund projects that promote the conservation of neotropical migratory birds in the United States, Latin America, and the Caribbean.

Application to Coral Reefs:

Legislative Actions:The Act provided competitive grants in Latin America, the Carribean, and the United States for neotropical migratory birds that winter south of the border and summer in North America. The law encourages habitat protection, education, research, monitoring, and capacity building to provide for long-term protection of neotropical migratory birds.

Comments:Over 800 species of birds are found in the United States and 500 migrate South of the border for the winter.
US Fish and Wildlife Service

Jurisdiction:
United States; Latin America; Caribbean
Collaboration & Partnering; Designate Protected Species; Environmental Monitoring, Mapping, & Scientific Research; Marine Birds; Public Administration
North American Wetlands Conservation Act of 1989, 16 United States Code § 4411. Provides funding and administrative direction for the implementation of the North American Waterfowl Management Plan and the Tripartite Agreement between Canada, the United States, and Mexico.

Application to Coral Reefs:

Legislative Actions:A North American Wetlands Conservation Council was created to recommend projects to be funded under the Act to the Migratory Bird Conservation Commission.

Comments:
US Fish and Wildlife Service

Jurisdiction:
State Coastal Waters; Canada; Mexico
Collaboration & Partnering; Designate Protected Species; Environmental Education & Outreach; Environmental Monitoring, Mapping, & Scientific Research; Funding & Donations; Marine Birds; Public Administration
Oil Pollution Act of 1990, 33 United States Code §§ 2701 et seq. Established limitations on liability for damages resulting from oil pollution, established a fund for the payment of compensation for such damages, mandated the National Oil and Hazardous Substance Contingency Plan to provide organizational structure and procedures for responding to spills.

Application to Coral Reefs:In the event of an oil spill that contaminates a coral reef, the Act could be used to determine liability and provide funds for rapid cleanup.

Legislative Actions:Can provide fines for failing to notify the appropriate federal agency of a maximum of $250,000 per day for an individual and a maximum of $500,000 for an organization. Civil penalties are authorized at $25,000 per day of violation or $1,000 per barrel of oil discharged. Prison sentences up to a maximum of fifteen years can be imposed on violators.

Comments:The Act was signed in 1990, largely in response to rising public concern following the Exxon Valdex incident. The Act improved the nation's ability to prevent and respond to oil spills by establishing provisions that expand the federal government's ability, and and provided the money and resources necessary, to respond to oil spills. The Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund was established and provided up to one billion dollars per spill incident.
US Coast Guard/US Environmental Protection Agency

Jurisdiction:
US Territorial Waters; State Coastal Waters
Chemical Variables; Environmental Monitoring & Restoration; Finfish & Shellfish Stock; Funding & Incentives; Mangroves; Non-point Source Controls; Petroleum Spills; Physical & Chemical Environment; Point & Mobile Source Controls; Political Pressure; Public Administration; Reef Habitat; Reef Life; Remediation; Resource Use Management; Seagrasses; Sectors Filling Human Needs; Security; Socio-Economic Drivers; Toxics; Wetlands
Refuge Revenue Sharing Act of 1935, as amended, 16 United States Code § 715. Provided for payment to counties in lieu of taxes from areas administered by the Fish and Wildlife Service. Counties are required to pass payments along to other units of local government within the county, which suffer losses in tax revenues due to the establishment of Service areas.

Application to Coral Reefs:

Legislative Actions:Congress can appropriate funds to make up any shortfall of payments to local governments, all lands administered by the USFWS qualify for revenue sharing payments, and payments to units of local governments can be used for any governmental purpose.

Comments:
US Fish and Wildlife Servicw

Jurisdiction:
United States
Funding & Donations; Funding & Incentives; Public Administration
Sikes Act of 1960, 16 United States Code § 670. Promote effectual planning, development, maintenance, and coordination of wildlife, fish, and game conservation and rehabilitation in military reservations.

Application to Coral Reefs:The Integrated Natural Resources Management Plan (INRMP) required by the Sikes Act integrate many different aspects of natural resource management including endangered species, fisheries, wetlands and environmental contaminants. Protection of wetlands and regulation of the discharge of environmental contaminants on military installations can indirectly protect coral reefs by decreasing runoff to nearshore waters.

Legislative Actions:DoD must develop and implement Integrated Natural Resources Management Plans (INRMP) for nearly 380 military installations across the US. The development of the INRMP is a voluntary, cooperative effort between participating agencies.

Comments:The preparation of the INRMP between DoD, USFWS and State FWS ensures proper consideration of fish, wildlife and habitat needs. The amendments also require the control of invasive species, migratory birds, and law enforcement issues.
Department of Defense/Department of Interior (US Fish and Wildlife Service)/State Fish and Wildlife Agencies

Jurisdiction:
US Military Installments
Biological Monitoring, Mapping, & Scientific Research; Environmental Monitoring, Mapping, & Scientific Research; Finfish & Shellfish Stock; Finfish Harvest; Invasive Species; Marine Birds; Non-point Source Controls; Point & Mobile Source Controls; Public Administration; Resource Use Management; Waste Management Policies; Wetlands

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