Marine Protected Areas

Have you ever visited a protected area? Protected parks have been around in the United States for more than one hundred years. It was not until 1963, however, that the first underwater park was developed in Key Largo, Florida. Since the first underwater marine sanctuary was created, the United States has established several similar marine sanctuaries to protect an area of the ocean. Most of these areas fall under the 1972 Marine Protection and Sanctuaries Act.

There are marine sanctuaries around the world, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is responsible for managing the fourteen marine protected areas in the United States.

Not all marine-protected areas around the world are perfect. Some areas still allow commercial and sport fishing. Some areas have no monitoring systems to make sure the organisms and environment are preserved; however, saving parts of the oceans for growth and future generations is a step in the direction toward conservation of the ocean, its inhabitants, and its resources. In this interactivity, you will learn how marine sanctuaries help to preserve the ocean. Click the player button to get started.

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Marine Protected Areas Review

Now that you know more about how marine sanctuaries can help preserve the ocean, check your knowledge. In this non-graded interactivity, determine if each statement is true or false. Click SUBMIT to check your responses. Click the player button to begin.