Gulf of Maine Projects

1997 Marine Protected Areas Project

A GIS Database of Existing Coastal and Marine Protected Areas, Conservation Zones, and Restricted Fishing Areas in the Gulf of Maine

Download the complete report (48 Kb PDF file).

Introduction

There are many different types of protected and regulated areas in the Gulf of Maine. While many of these areas share conservation goals and seek to protect the same types of marine resources, there is no centralized map or database providing a comprehensive overview of these areas. Instead, information is scattered and unorganized.

As part of the Gulf of Maine Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) Project, a GIS database of existing coastal and marine protected areas, conservation zones, and restricted fishing areas in the Gulf of Maine has been produced. This database complements other data layers in progress, such as fish assemblages and surficial geology. It will act as a powerful analytical tool that will assist a range of users in evaluating the role of existing protected areas and determining the location of future sites. Database attributes for each site include name, type of designation, jurisdiction, location, size, year established, legislation, ownership, specific regulations, and IUCN protection category.

With this information, users can form a better understanding of the range and scope of regulated areas in the Gulf of Maine. The database is constructed so that the user can select parameters, conduct analyses, and form conclusions according to his or her own specific needs. The GIS data will be available on the internet and can also be viewed on a series of hard copy maps. This project was completed in partnership with the Center for Marine Conservation, the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada, the New England Aquarium, and the Marine Policy Center of the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution.

Download the complete report (48 Kb PDF file).