Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary protects one of our nation's most treasured marine environments for the enjoyment of current and future generations of users. The sanctuary works with partners and the Sanctuary Advisory Council to promote long-term conservation of sanctuary waters, wildlife, habitats, ecosystems, and maritime heritage resources, while allowing compatible human uses.
The revised management plan guides activities at Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary and identifies priority management issues and actions proposed to address them. The first management plan was issued in 1993.
The Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary has just revised it’s management plan. The process involved significant public input at several stages of plan development.
Condition reports rate the status of sanctuary resources and describe trends in their well-being. The Office of National Marine Sanctuaries has released Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary condition reports for 2007 and 2020.
Federal regulations established by NOAA under the authority of the National Marine Sanctuaries Act help protect sanctuary resources, as do additional regulations issued by other government agencies. Guidelines aid in resource protection.
Management of Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary includes authorizing legislation, regulations, management plans, and permitting. Learn more in this online review from our national office.
Learn more about the Sanctuary Advisory Council, a community-based body that advises the sanctuary superintendent on issues relevant to the effective implementation of the management plan.
Certain research and education activities in the sanctuary may require a sanctuary permit. Timely submission of permit requests helps assure that projects proceed smoothly and conflicts avoided.
