Permitting
The MARS network will be located in the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. One benefit of this location will be the ability to explore and monitor processes and conditions within the Sanctuary, which is an important component to accomplish their mission "to understand and protect the coastal ecosystem of central California."
MBARI is working closely with the Sanctuary and other agencies, including the California State Lands Commission, to acquire all the proper permits to install the cable as well as to ensure the cable does not cause damage to the fragile marine ecosystems within the Sanctuary.
National Science Foundation Record of Decision (signed November 28, 2005)