Web-Based Tools and Databases for Multi-Hazard Contingency Plans and Ongoing Management of Natural Marine Sanctuaries

An on-line GIS-oriented management and planning system for four National Marine Sanctuaries will be designed. It will contain static databases of physical, chemical, biological, geological, cultural, historical and archeological information of value to Sanctuary managers. It will link with ongoing oceanographic and meteorological monitoring systems to allow near real time access to their data. It will allow creation of maps, charts and tables from databases selected by the user. It will provide software tools and data for Sanctuary managers and emergency responders and planners to devise Sanctuary specific contingency plans to respond to and mitigate hazardous spills that may occur in the marine environment in or near the Sanctuary. Comparisons of data collected after a spill with archived databases will also allow monitoring of recovery after such incidents. Archived databases and access to on-line data delivery systems will also aid Sanctuary managers in their day-to-day oversight and management of the Sanctuaries.