The National Marine Sanctuaries Act directs NOAA to set regulations that apply to Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary. These regulations are intended to protect recreational, ecological, historical, research, educational and aesthetic resources and qualities of the Sanctuary.

History and full text of the entire National Marine Sanctuary Program regulations.

Download regulations specific to Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary
(pdf format - 60k download)


Under the regulations, the following activities are prohibited within Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary. The descriptions below are summaries; for exceptions or for more information, contact
ocnms@noaa.gov.


Exploring for, developing or producing oil, gas or minerals within the Sanctuary.

Discharging or depositing, from within the boundary of the Sanctuary, any material or other matter.

Moving, removing or injuring, or attempting to move, remove or injure, a Sanctuary historical resource.

Drilling into, dredging or otherwise altering the seabed of the Sanctuary.

Taking any marine mammal, sea turtle or seabird in or above the Sanctuary.

Flying motorized aircraft at less than 2,000 feet both above the Sanctuary within one NM of the Flattery Rocks, Quillayute Needles, or Copalis National Wildlife Refuge, or within one NM seaward from the coastal boundary of the Sanctuary.

Possessing within the Sanctuary (regardless of where taken, moved or removed from) any historical resource, or any marine mammal, sea turtle, or seabird taken in violation of the MMPA, ESA or MBTA.

Interfering with, obstructing, delaying or preventing an investigation, search, seizure or disposition of seized property in connection with enforcement of the Act or any regulation or permit issued under the Act.

The Department of Defense is prohibited from conducting bombing activities within the Sanctuary.


Other Regulations

Other Tribal, State and Federal Agencies regulate specific activities within or adjacent to Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary. These include, but are not limited to the following:

Commercial fishing, sportfishing, shellfish gathering, shoreline development, access, parking, backcountry travel and camping.