What are marine resources (living and cultural), and why must they be protected?
The term “marine resources” broadly defines the living marine resources (plants and animals), the water and currents, and the ocean floor and shoreline of a sanctuary. It may also include the historical and cultural resources within a sanctuary, from shipwrecks and lighthouses to archaeological sites and the cultural history of native communities. Marine sanctuaries are established to protect areas that encompass unique or significant natural and cultural features. Sanctuary staff works to protect marine resources because in the absence of active management, many of these special features can suffer from degradation due to human actions, both inadvertent and intentional.
Related Questions
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