(1) M.G.L. c. 132A, §§ 12A through 16K and § 18, the Massachusetts Ocean Sanctuaries Act, establishes Ocean Sanctuaries, defines prohibited and allowed Activities in Ocean Sanctuaries, and requires Agencies to protect these Ocean Sanctuaries from exploitation, development, or Activity that would significantly alter or otherwise endanger their ecology or appearance in the issuance of Authorizations for Activities subject to jurisdiction.(2)301 CMR 27.00 is promulgated to fulfill, in part, the statutory responsibility of the Office of Coastal Zone Management for the care, oversight, and control of Ocean Sanctuaries.(3)301 CMR 27.00 also defines, interprets, and explains provisions of M.G.L. c. 132A, §§ 12A through 16K and § 18. 301 CMR 27.00 establishes the procedures and requirements necessary for Agencies to carry out responsibilities under these authorities.(4) Nothing in 301 CMR 27.00 shall be construed to supersede existing general or special laws, or to confer rights and remedies in addition to those conferred by existing general or special laws.Adopted by Mass Register Issue 1346, eff. 8/25/2017.