SWiM in marine sanctuaries: the challenge of monitoring a system of protected areas

A System-Wide Monitoring (SWiM) program is currently in development to provide an approach for integrated design, implementation, and reporting for the National Marine Sanctuary System. It will serve individual marine sanctuaries, regional networks of sanctuaries, and the collective system. It allows for tailored monitoring in all sanctuaries, providing information critical to management, while also contributing to and benefiting from other local, regional, and national monitoring programs.