In May 2000, MPAs came into a national spotlight when President Bill Clinton signed an Executive Order directing the Department of Commerce, the Department of the Interior, and other federal agencies to strengthen and expand the national system of MPAs by working closely with state, territorial, local, tribal, and other stakeholders (EO 13158). Major components of EO 13158 include:

	Development of a MPA center by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
	The establishment of a MPA advisory committee by the Department of Commerce.
	The development and maintenance of a nationwide list of existing MPAs in the United States. The Departments of Commerce and Interior are charged with this task. Listed areas must conform to the definition of MPAs stated in EO 13158.
	Lists of responsibilities for each federal agency whose actions affect the natural or cultural resources that are protected by a MPA.
	The development of a national MPA website. This comprehensive website is a wealth of information: within it you will find detailed information regarding the MPA center, the MPA Advisory Committee, the nationwide list of MPAs, MPA reference material, and many other useful items.