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- A large developed country with a long coastline.
- The United States has the largest exclusive economic zone of an country in the world, at around 4.4 million square miles (11 million square kilometers) (Thurman & Trujillo 2002) and strong enforcement capabilities over their waters.
- High fish demand, generally not for subsistence.
- GDP: $13.13 trillion USD (2006 est)
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As it currently stands, the management bodies authorities of the Marine Sanctuaries only have very limited authority ability to regulate fishing and boating within the borders of the sanctuary (Stellwagen Bank NMS 2007). Currently, restrictions on fishing are the responsibility by the National Marine Fisheries Services and regional fisheries councils. While such organizations have placed restrictions in response to sanctuary designations, these measures do not generally include the no-take, no-disturbance areas we feel that are required under our proposal (National Academy of Public Administration 2000).
2.) Cultural Issues and the conflict of Environment and Development
Fishing has and other maritime activities have been a longstanding and time-honored part of American way-of-lifeculture. Any measure that would increase fishing restrictions in the short term would likely face significant, short-term public opposition, especially among fishermen.
Additionally, other stakeholders, such as minerals interested have historically opposed the establishment of MPAs. For example, the establishment of the Flower Garden Banks NMS National Marine Sanctuary off the coast of Texas was delayed by almost a decade and a half by 15 years due to concerted oil industry lobbying against the sanctuary (Flower Garden Banks , 2007).
3.) Setting National Priorities
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