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As it currently stands, the management authorities of the Marine Sanctuaries only have very limited 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 that are required under our proposal (National Academy of Public Administration 2000).
2.) Cultural Issues and the conflict of Environment and DevelopmentDevelopment interfere with Environmental Actions.
Fishing and other maritime activities have been a longstanding and time-honored part of American culture. Any measure that would increase fishing restrictions 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 National Marine Sanctuary off the coast of Texas was delayed by almost 15 years due to concerted oil industry lobbying against the sanctuary (Flower Garden Banks 2007).
3.) Setting Environmental Protection and Science are not National Priorities
Given current affairs, environmental protection and science are not among top national priorities for either the government or the populacethe United States. This limits the funding available for scientific activities, and that available for the establishment of new MPAs.
4.) Lack of Public Awareness interferes with Environmental Protection
In general, the American public does not have high ocean literacy, a strong awareness of ocean-related issues, or high general environmental awareness. Suck a lack of knowledge and awareness interferes with any attempts at environmental protection, regardless of type, but especially the establishment of Marine Protected Areas. It is extremely difficult to gain support for measures to protect that which the public knows little about.
5.) Difficulties in International Relations makes Global action difficult
Recent American foreign policy has had the unfortunate effect of alienating and reducing America's the United States global influence. This has made the implementation of ideas perceived to come from American sources at times difficult or impossible. The joint At the same time, the related issues of the oceans and Marine Protected Areas are so global that a multilateral approach is almost certainly required, especially for management in waters outside the jurisdictional control of states.
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