Under section 304(d) of the National Marine Sanctuaries Act (16 U.S.C. §1 434(d)), any Federal agency taking any action that is likely to destroy, cause the loss of, or injure a sanctuary resource is required to consult with NOAA.  At the earliest practical time before final approval of the action, the Federal agency shall provide NOAA with a written statement describing the action and its potential effects. The term Federal action includes private activities authorized by licenses, leases, or permits. Sanctuary resources are defined as any living or nonliving resource that contributes to the conservation, recreational, ecological, historical, educational, cultural, archeological, scientific, or aesthetic value of the sanctuary. Upon review of the sanctuary resource statement, NOAA may issue recommendations to protect sanctuary resources by eliminating, reducing, or mitigating potential injury to sanctuary resources.