National Marine Sanctuaries Act

These data represents geographic terms used within the National Marine Sanctuaries Act (NMSA). The NMSA was originally enacted as Title III of the Marine Protection, Research and Sanctuaries Act of 1972. The primary objective of the NMSA is to protect marine resources, such as coral reefs, sunken historical vessels, unique habitats, and submerged lands. National marine sanctuaries consist of designated marine waters, submerged lands, and can extend up to the mean high water line. Marine waters include those within the 200 nm Exclusive Economic Zone as well as state waters. For sanctuaries established within state waters or submerged lands, the Governor of the States has the authority to veto the sanctuary, regulations, or particular terms of designation. The NMSA also provides authority for cooperation with other nations and organizations in special marine areas located outside of the United States. When investigating geo-regulatory boundaries near the boundary edges, users should consult the most up-to-date applicable jurisdictional boundaries from all respective authoritative sources.

Source: https://sanctuaries.noaa.gov/library/national/nmsa.pdf
Date enacted: 10/23/1972
Codification: 16 U.S.C. Sec. 1431 et seq.
Authority: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration