This policy and the associated permit guidelines incorporate many lessons learned by the ONMS through direct experience with submarine cables in the Monterey Bay, Olympic Coast, and Stellwagen Bank national marine sanctuaries, as well as the experiences of other government agencies. In addition, the ONMS has taken into consideration comments received from an Advance Notice of Public Rulemaking (ANPR) regarding submarine cables in September 2000 as well as comments received in response to Interim Policy and Permit Guidance for Submarine Cable Projects (74 FR 18169; April 21, 2009). This policy statement and the associated permit guidelines reflect comments received from the ANPR and ONMS experience and information gained from previous cable projects.