SCC Comment on Review of National Marine Sanctuaries and Marine National Monuments
The Department of Commerce is conducting a review of all designations and expansions of National Marine Sanctuaries and Marine National Monuments since April 28, 2007, which could leave millions of acres in the Pacific open to drilling and extraction. The public are invited to comment on this review here: https://www.regulations.gov/docket?D=NOAA-NOS-2017-0066. Our comment is below.
Secretary Ross,
The California State Coastal Conservancy is one of three federally recognized coastal management agencies for the State of California. We are charged with the protection and restoration of California’s coastline and coastal watersheds, and we urge you to leave in place the current protections on all National Marine Sanctuaries and Monuments.
Along the Pacific coast, the health of our oceans is critical to our economy and to our way of life. Our pristine beaches and marine ecosystems generate over $45 billion in GDP annually and support half a million jobs. The protected Marine Sanctuaries and Monuments are a crucial part of the ocean ecosystem that sustains our state. Each of the sites contributes unique and inimitable resources to the Pacific ecosystem, which would be directly imperiled by the removal of their Monument or Sanctuary status. As you probably know, the State of California has invested heavily in a network of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) along the length of our coast that are complementary to the existing network of National Marine Sanctuaries. Californians deeply value their coast and ocean, as do the millions of tourists who visit us from all over the world every year.
The protections in place allow fish and wildlife to thrive, protect coastal water quality, and ensure that the ocean resources that we treasure will be here for our children and grandchildren. I hope that you will bear in mind the long term value of protecting marine assets in your review, and leave the existing network in place.
Sincerely,
Sam Schuchat
Executive Officer
California State Coastal Conservancy
scc.ca.gov
Latest News
- Updated Information for Working with the ConservancyDear Friends of the Coastal Conservancy, The last few weeks have presented all of us with unprecedented challenges both at home and at work. I hope that you, your family and friends, and your co-workers are all safe and well during this stressful and frightening time. In compliance with directives from the Governor and the […] (Read more on Updated Information for...)
- Job Posting: Project Support Analyst, SF Bay Program“Love the California coast, the San Francisco Bay and the environment? This might be the job for you!” The position is located in Oakland, CA. Applications received without ALL the required items, will NOT receive further consideration for this position. A copy of your transcripts or diploma is required, if you are on the Staff Services Eligibility […] (Read more on Job Posting: Project...)
- Deadlines Extended for Grant ApplicationsDue to the COVID-19 precautions in place throughout California, we have extended the application deadline for our North Coast Proposition 1 grants to April 27, and for Explore the Coast grants to April 20. For more information, please see the links below: Explore the Coast Grant Applications are due March 30, 2020 April 20, 2020 […] (Read more on Deadlines Extended for...)
Sign up and Stay Informed!
Visit the State of California
Help Save Sea Otters at Tax Time