> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://protectedseas.gitbook.io/navigator-api-docs/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://protectedseas.gitbook.io/navigator-api-docs/field-reference/site-categories.md).

# Site Categories

Every site has one category, exposed as two fields: `category_id` (integer) and `category_name` (string). Filter and join on **`category_id`** — it's the stable key. Treat **`category_name`** as a display label only; its wording may be revised between data versions, but the ID won't change. Both fields appear in [Site Keys](/navigator-api-docs/field-reference/site-keys.md).

| ID | Category Name                                | Description                                                                              |
| -- | -------------------------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| 1  | Marine Protected Area                        | MPAs as defined by each country or classified by the WDPA.                               |
| 2  | Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Area | OECM areas as defined by each country or classified by the WDPA.                         |
| 3  | Fisheries Management Area                    | Areas that protect fishery resources so sustainable exploitation is possible.            |
| 4  | Water Quality/Human Health Area              | Areas focused on protecting existing good water quality.                                 |
| 5  | Recreational Area                            | Areas focused on recreation, e.g. shipwrecks, swimming areas, state & local parks.       |
| 6  | Vessel Restricted Area                       | Areas restricting vessel speed, entry, or both.                                          |
| 7  | Vessel Reporting Area                        | Areas requiring vessels to report on entry.                                              |
| 8  | Voluntary Conservation Measure Area          | E.g. recommended routes, some whale speed-restricted areas, areas to be avoided.         |
| 9  | Jurisdictional Authority Area                | EEZs, territorial seas, and other state/provincial waters.                               |
| 10 | Other                                        | Overflight protection zones, ecological preserves, etc.                                  |
| 11 | To Be Determined                             | Categorization pending.                                                                  |
| 12 | Local Marine Managed Area                    | Coastal waters managed directly by adjacent communities, often via traditional practice. |
| 13 | Marine Spatial Planning Area                 | Areas within a framework balancing human activity with ecological protection.            |