NOAA
DOC/NOAA/NOS/NMS
The mission of NOAA's National Marine Sanctuaries is to serve as the trustee for the nation's system of marine protected areas, to conserve, protect, and enhance their biodiversity, ecological integrity and cultural legacy. Within this section you'll find information about our history, the steps taken in designating a marine protected area, and the legislation that helped to create our marine sanctuaries. Summary provided by http://sanctuaries.noaa.gov/