Framework for the national system of marine protected areas of the United States of America

Final framework for a national system of MPAs for the U.S., called for under Executive Order 13158 of May 26, 2000, "Marine Protected Areas". The framework proposes a national system that is initially an assemblage of existing MPA sites, systems, and networks managed by federal, state, territorial, commonwealth, tribal, or local governments. It also outlines collaborative processes for MPA programs at all levels of government to work together at regional, national, and international levels and with public participation to achieve common conservation objectives.