In 1997, the United States Coast Guard (USCG) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) established a workgroup of key stakeholders in the issue of vessel traffic, including representatives from federal, state and local governments, environmental groups and industry to review existing practices and risks, and recommend a package of strategies which would maximize protection of Sanctuary resources while allowing for the continuation of safe, efficient and environmentally sound transportation. The group's recommendations included alteration of the Traffic Separation Scheme (TSS) off San Francisco to move vessels away from the sensitive San Mateo shoreline. Most importantly, container ships, bulk freighters, and vessels carrying hazardous materials were moved offshore to reduce the risk of groundings, and organized into north-south lanes to reduce the risk of collision. These recommendations were ultimately approved by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), and implementation began in 2000. For details of the historic track changes please see the Vessel Traffic Management Plan Executive Summary.