Final Framework for the National System of Marine Protected Areas of the United States and Response to Comments

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NOAA and the Department of the Interior (DOI) jointly propose the Framework for the National System of Marine Protected Areas of the United States (Framework), as required by Executive Order 13158 on Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). This Framework provides overarching guidance for collaborative efforts among federal, state, commonwealth, territorial, tribal and local governments and stakeholders to develop an effective National System of MPAs (national system) from existing sites, build coordination and collaborative efforts, and identify ecosystem-based gaps in the protection of significant natural and cultural resources for possible future action by the nation's MPA authorities. The document further provides the guiding principles, key definitions, goals, and objectives for the National System, based on the breadth of input received from MPA stakeholders and governmental partners around the nation over the past several years, and two public comment periods.