Conservation and Protection

Conservation and Protection

As our oceans are increasingly utilized for resource development for energy, fishing, and commercial shipping and trade, there is an increasing requirement to ensure that we conserve and protect sensitive marine habitats and historic sites.

Protected habitats in U.S. offshore waters include:

  • Marine Sanctuaries
  • Essential Fish Habitat (EFH)
  • Habitats of Particular Concern (subsets of EFH)
  • Critical Habitats