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MARINE
& CULTURAL RESOURCE PROTECTION
Any offshore projects that have the potential
of disturbance, injury or mortality to marine wildlife
must comply with numerous federal, state and local regulations
and ordinances. Other countries have similar laws and
regulations. MMCG routinely assesses potential impacts
on marine wildlife, prepares the required environmental
compliance documents, and designs and implements marine
wildlife mitigation plans for offshore projects. Similarly,
MMCG can assess potential impacts to submerged historic
and cultural resources, provide environmental compliance
documents, and design and implement appropriate measures
for the protection of such resources.
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Marine Mammals
Marine mammals are found in all of the world’s oceans,
from the poles to the tropics. Since the passage of the
federal Marine Mammal Protection Act in 1972, all marine
mammals are federally protected. Some are further protected
under the Endangered Species Act of 1973. They are also
protected under various state and local laws. Other nations
have similar regulations for protecting marine mammals.
The protection of marine mammals is a vital element in the
planning of any offshore project.
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Sea Turtles
Although sea turtles generally nest in tropical or subtropical
areas, they are far-ranging and are distributed throughout
the world’s oceans, from the tropics to subtemperate
waters.
All sea turtles are listed as threatened or endangered under
the federal Endangered Species Act of 1973. Many nations
have similar regulations for the protection of sea turtles.
Ensuring the protection of sea turtles is a necessary element
in the planning of many offshore projects.
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Fish
Some fish, particularly salmonid species, are listed as
threatened or endangered under the federal Endangered Species
Act of 1973. In addition, all fish are protected under state
laws. Like other wildlife, fish are protected by similar
legislation in other nations. The protection of fish is
particularly important for offshore projects, since many
species are vital to subsistence fisheries as well as to
commercial and recreational interests. |
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Sea Birds
Some sea birds are protected under the federal Endangered
Species Act of 1973. Various waterfowl and sea birds are
also protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. State
and local regulations also apply to sea birds, while other
nations have similar rules and regulations to protect sea
birds. Land birds, often protected under the same laws,
can also be impacted from coastal projects. The protection
of birds is yet another key element in planning any offshore
or coastal project.
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Marine Invertebrates and Algae
Marine invertebrates and algae are protected under various
federal, state and local laws and in numerous countries.
In some areas, algae such as kelp and eelgrass form essential
habitat for numerous marine organisms. Marine invertebrates
and algae, like fish, can be of considerable economic
importance to local subsistence fisheries as well as to
commercial and recreational interests. Protecting such
resources is an essential component of coastal and offshore
projects.
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Submerged Cultural
Resources
Submerged historic and cultural resources exist throughout
continental shelf waters. These consist mainly of shipwrecks
and prehistoric cultural artifacts. Many of these resources
are protected under various federal, state and local antiquity
acts. Some, notably old shipwrecks, are sometimes listed
as historic sites. Collectively, submerged historic and
cultural resources are an important part of the nation’s
history. The protection of such resources is an important
part of planning any coastal or offshore project.
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