ntegrated operation of the NMSA and MSA as currently structured should be based on the following factors:
(1)(a) The MSA's eight fisheries management regions cover almost the entire U.S. EEZ and territorial sea and FMPs can be extended to state ocean waters in the territorial sea through the MSA section 306(b) (16 U.S.C. § 1856(b)) state preemption process and cooperation with relevant state and interstate fisheries commissions [7]; (b) state waters can be included in a sanctuary with the state governor's consent, but current sanctuaries cover less than 1% of the U.S. EEZ and territorial sea (4% if the NWHIMNM is included) and expansion of the program will require priority attention from Congress, starting with reauthorization of the MSA in the next Congress. Meanwhile, further presidential use of the NMA is a very adequate alternative [43].
(2)(a) The MSA's regional council structure is adaptable to ecosystem-based fisheries management with non-target species and habitat protected principally from the adverse impacts of fishing; (b) all activities including fishing can be managed within sanctuary boundaries, and if the sanctuary is large enough, ecosystem-based approaches would seem to be possible.