The SPatial Analysis and Resource Characterization (SPARC) tool was developed by NOAA’s Biogeography Branch and the Marine Protected Areas Center. The tool is part of a larger partnership between the two groups to develop integrated products that meet the goals of both the national coastal and marine spatial planning (CMSP) initiative, and continued development of the National System of Marine Protected Areas. SPARC was built to assimilate spatial data, including newly compiled management and resource information from the MPA inventory, and provide a comprehensive analysis of resources protected within and outside MPA boundaries. Its focus is regional, on the identification of ecologically important areas, on resource characterization, and to be able to better characterize MPAs.

National Ocean Service (NOS)