Stellwagen Bank Final EIS and Management Plan 



Page 85 



threatened, endangered, or otherwise protected 

 species may require additional permits from other 

 agencies. 



b. Research Project Monitoring Program 



As a routine activity, the Sanctuary Manager 

 will monitor the performance of researchers 

 conducting research activities in the Scmctuary. The 

 Sanctuary Manager will also maintain records of all 

 current research, equipment being used on site, 

 frequency of researchers' visits on site, and current 

 progress on each project. Interim progress reports 

 and final reports by the researcher to SRD and the 

 Sanctuary Manager are required to ensure 

 adherence to schedules outUned in the terms of the 

 contract. Final research reports may be reviewed by 

 scientists recognized in the particular field of 

 research, as well as by resoiu^ce managers before 

 final approval of the report by SRD. Particularly 

 outstanding research reports may be pubUshed by 

 SRD in the NOS/SRD Technical Report Series. 



4. Information Exchange 



SRD encourages Sanctuary research funded by 

 other sources to complement research directly 

 funded by NOAA. To assist in this research 

 exchange effort, SRD will make Sanctuary research 

 data bases derived from past and ongoing research 

 projects available to other agencies and private 

 institutions. 



D. Interpretation/Education 



1. General Context for Management 



Public awareness, understanding, and 

 appreciation for the special values of the Stellwagen 

 Bank ecosystem are essential for its protection and 

 continued vitality. The Sanctuary interpretive 

 program will focus on improving pubUc 

 understanding by providing information on the 

 Bank's functions and resources, and on the 

 Sanctuary regulations designed to ensure resource 

 protection. To accompUsh this objective, 



interpretive information m\\ be targeted to a variety 

 of audiences, including in particular, the user public. 



2. Interpretive Opportunities 



Interpretive opportunities for the Sanctuary 

 will be targeted toward three basic audiences: 

 visitors to the Sanctuary; visitors to the Sanctuary 

 headquarters; and interested individuals or 

 organizations not visiting either location (off-site). 

 Numerous interpretive opportunities exist for all 

 types of audiences. 



The accessibility of Stellwagen Bank to 

 numerous recreational and commercial boaters, to 

 commercial fishermen, and to scientific researchers, 

 provides a variety of ways in which to reach the 

 visiting pubUc with information about the 

 Sanctuary's resoiu'ces and programs. Among 

 anticipated methods of reaching this on-site user 

 public are brochures and other informational 

 materials distributed aboard whalewatch vessels; 

 through recreational charterboat captains; and 

 through research and educational institutions 

 sponsoring vessel trips to the site. 



Establishment of a Sanctuary headquarters in 

 Plymouth, MA will provide a focal point for 

 interested members of the pubUc who may or may 

 not intend to actually visit Stellwagen Bank. The 

 visitor center will make available interpretive 

 materials on the Stellwagen Bank system, its 

 resources, recreational activities, and protective and 

 safety regulations in effect. 



Some of these materials will be presented in 

 audio-visual formats; others in printed form. The 

 sanctuary headquarters will also provide a location 

 for the public to learn about other private or 

 governmental activities occurring within or near the 

 Sanctuary. Information will also be provided on 

 how the Sanctuary program coordinates with other 

 public and private institutions or agencies to ensure 

 the continued protection and viability of the 

 Stellwagen Bank ecosystem. National Marine 

 Sanctuary Program information will also be 

 available at the Sanctuary headquarters. 



Finally, Sanctuary interpretive staff will 

 conduct outreach activities to make Sanctuary 

 information available to individuals, schools, and 

 organizations throughout the New England area. 

 These materials will be directed at those who are 



