This ecological characterization represents the continuation of an ongoing partnership between the National Marine Sanctuary Program (NMSP) and the National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS), Center for Coastal Monitoring and Assessment (CCMA). The purpose of this collaboration is to apply a biogeographical approach to the management of marine resources within the National Marine Sanctuaries ... [provide] essential information on the distribution of modeled and observed species needed to support the development of monitoring and scientific studies, the development of educational material, and support of other spatially-explicit management decision.