Stellwagen Bank Final EIS and Management Plan 



Page 86 



not likely to actually visit the Sanctuary, but who are 

 nonetheless interested in learning about the SBNMS 

 and the National Marine Sanctuary Program. 



3. Interpretive Programs 



Interpretation for the Sanctuary will consist of 

 three distinct programs: 



• On-site visitor programs for fishing and 

 whalewatching vessels, and other recreational 

 boating visitors to the Sanctuary; 



• Visitor center programs for individuals visiting 

 the Sanctuary headquarters, or other nearby 

 information centers; and 



• Outreach programs for interested individuals 

 and groups not visiting the Sanctuary or its 

 headquarters. 



a. On-Site Visitor Programs 



On-site interpretation for the Sanctuary will 

 consist primarily of printed materials on the 

 Sanctuary and its regulations made available on 

 commercial fishing and/or whalewatching vessels. 

 The program will rely heavily on the cooperation of 

 excursion boat operators. Many of the commercial 

 whalewatch vessels incorporate the onboard services 

 of a naturalist, to identify and discuss various 

 species of cetaceans. Verbal information on the 

 Sanctuary will be included in such discussions, in 

 addition to brochures or other printed materials 

 which excursion p2u-ticipants may carry home with 

 them. Local organizations, such as Manomet Bird 

 Observatory, Cetacean Research Unit, Center for 

 Coastal Studies, or the New England Aquarium, 

 may also be interested in co-sponsoring special 

 excursions to the Bank. 



Race Point and South Wellfleet. 



c. Outreach Programs 



Off-site interpretive programs will involve 

 coordinated and cooperative efforts with local and 

 regional environmental study organizations, e.g., 

 Center for Coastal Studies, Cetacean Research 

 Unit, Manomet Bird Observatory, International 

 Wildlife Coalition, New England Aquarium, and 

 Massachusetts Audubon Society. Additionally, 

 Sanctuary staff will make interpretive materials 

 available to local and regional schools and 

 universities. Materials may include shde 



presentations and travelling exhibits, curriculum 

 materials and other teacher aids. Opportunities will 

 be assessed for Sanctuary outreach locations in 

 areas of heavy public visitation, such as highway 

 welcome centers and public docks. 



b. Visitor Center /Headquarters Programs 



Exhibits, audio-visual information, and printed 

 materials will be available to the public at the 

 Sanctuary visitor center/headquarters. Additional 

 potential distribution points for Sanctuary brochures 

 and other materials include NOAA's National 

 Marine Fisheries Service facility (Gloucester), and 

 the Cape Cod National Seashore Visitor Centers at 



