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The Mobile Bay National Estuary Program has
identified goals, objectives, and action plans aimed toward the wise
stewardship of Mobile Bay estuary. Goals are broad, long-term issues for
the estuary. Objectives are more specific, shorter-term targets designed
to attain those goals. Finally, action plans are detailed programs for
meeting goals and objectives, indicating who, what, when, where, and how
the plans will be carried out. An essential part of each action plan is
the establishment of criteria by which the plan's effectiveness may be
monitored. Action plans are the fundamental component of the Comprehensive
Conservation and Management Plan (CCMP).
The over mission for the Mobile Bay NEP, as
established by the Management Conference is to:
1. To maintain and promote wise stewardship of
the water quality characteristics of
the Mobile Bay Estuarine
System and,
2. To maintain and promote wise stewardship of
the living resource base of the
Mobile Bay Estuarine
System.
The Management Conference addresses the objectives of the CCMP through
Issue Workgroups:
Water Quality Workgroup / Hydrologic Modifications Workgroup
1. Attain and/or maintain water quality sufficient to
support healthy aquatic
communities and designated
human uses.
2. Maintain and/or improve water quality in present
high quality waters.
3. Maintain and/or restore sediment quality necessary
to support healthy aquatic
communities and protection of
public health.
4. Maintain or enhance, where feasible, hydrologic conditions of watersheds
and surface waters within the Mobile Bay NEP area.
Habitat Management Workgroup
Provide optimum fish and wildlife habitat in the Mobile Bay system by
effectively preserving, restoring, and managing resources to maintain
adequate extent, diversity, distribution, connectivity, and natural
functions of all habitat types.
Living Resources Workgroup
Maintain native populations within historical ranges and restore
populations that have declined.
Human Uses Workgroup / Education & Public Involvement Workgroup
Provide consistent, enforceable, regional land and water use
management that ensures smart growth for sustainable development and
decreases the negative impacts of growth-related activities on human
health, public access, and quality of life.
1. Increase local and state government
understanding and participation in natural
resource conservation
practices.
2. Increase public awareness and stewardship of the
natural resources of the Mobile
Bay NEP area.
These are, without a doubt, very lofty goals which cannot be achieved
without the full support of local officials, commercial and industrials
interests, the environmental community, and citizens. The Mobile Bay NEP plans to approach these issues
at the ecosystem level, addressing habitats as a whole, and continuing to
bring the community to the table to build consensus for management
alternatives. With the CCMP complete, the Mobile Bay NEP is now implementing the Action
items within the CCMP.
To download a copy of the completed
Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan go to the publications
page or click on the link provided.
For more information call the program
office at (251) 431-6409 or e-mail us.
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