State / Commonwealth / Territory - Marine Managed Areas (MMAs)

A L A S K A

Highlighted System: Marine Parks
(AS 41.21.300 et seq.)

ALASKA STATE MARINE PARKS
The Alaska Department Natural Resources (DNR) is responsible for the management of the state parks system, of which thirty-three sites are designated as Alaska State Marine Parks. The primary purpose in establishing the land and water areas that comprise a state marine park are to maintain natural, cultural, and scenic values; maintain fish and wildlife resources and lawful existing uses of marine and coastal resources; and to promote and support recreation and tourism in the state (AS 41.21.300 (a)). In addition, the land and aquatic component of each marine park is dedicated as a special purpose site under the state constitution.

The DNR through its Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation has developed management plans for each marine park. The management plans define the specific purposes and uses at the various parks. During the creation of each management plan, state officials work with local communities, private landowners, federal agencies such as the U.S. Forest Service, conservation organizations, recreation, and tourism, and other interested groups. Input is sought from all relevant stakeholders throughout the drafting process.

Traditional activities such as fishing, hunting, or trapping within a marine park are regulated by the Alaska Board of Fisheries or the Alaska Board of Game. The development of aquaculture facilities within a marine park may also be permitted assuming the facility is compatible with the preservation of the resources found within the marine park.

State officials seek stakeholder participation in establishing and managing a marine park through the use of cooperative agreements between state and federal officials, municipal officials, or local private homeowners. Furthermore, state officials consult and cooperate with native corporations that own historical or cultural sites granted under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (43 U.S.C. 1613(h)(1)(sec. 14(h)(1)) for sites located within a marine park. As a result, the State of Alaska provides management oversight at these locations.

Relevant Agencies/Programs:

Marine Managed Area Systems:

Marine Parks (AS 41.21.300 et seq.)

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