Sea to Shining Sea Newsletter - December 2021
Few places can compete with the diversity of the National Marine Sanctuary System, which protects America's most iconic natural and cultural marine resources. Throughout the system, we work with diverse partners and stakeholders to promote responsible and sustainable uses that ensure the health of our most valued ocean places. These ocean parks are open to the public, and we invite you to enjoy them and join us as we explore the depths of the ocean.
Conserving and Restoring America the Beautiful
Public Comment Period Open Through: December 28, 2021
NOAA continues to seek public input on the use of NOAA's existing authorities and associated measures to advance the goals and recommendations in the Conserving and Restoring America the Beautiful report, including the eight core principles and six areas of early focus and progress. NOAA invites the public to provide input to help guide NOAA's conservation and restoration of ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes resources; NOAA's engagement on the development of the American Conservation and Stewardship Atlas; and NOAA's efforts to track its progress toward advancing the goals and recommendations in the Report for inclusion in the annual updates.
NEWS: Today, the Biden-Harris Administration issued its first annual progress report on the America the Beautiful initiative, highlighting steps the Administration has taken over the past year to support locally-led and voluntary efforts to conserve, connect, and restore lands and waters across the nation that sustain the health of our communities, power local economies, and help combat climate change.
Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary Draft Management Plan
Public Comment Period Open Through: January 21, 2022
NOAA's Office of National Marine Sanctuaries has released a draft management plan and environmental assessment for Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary. The public is now welcome to comment on the draft document, which will be considered by NOAA in the preparation of the final management plan. Please visit the How to Comment section on the sanctuary's website to learn more.
Sanctuary Designation for Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument
Public Comment Period Open Through: January 31, 2022
NOAA's Office of National Marine Sanctuaries is initiating the process to consider designating marine portions of Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument as a national marine sanctuary. This designation would add the conservation benefits and permanency of a national marine sanctuary to safeguard resources in the marine portions of the monument.
Sanctuary Designation for Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary
Public Comment Period Open Through: January 31, 2022 (updated December 16, 2021)
NOAA's Office of National Marine Sanctuaries invites the public to participate in the designation process for the proposed Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary on the central coast of California. The Northern Chumash Tribal Council (NCTC) submitted the sanctuary nomination in July 2015, and NOAA is considering sanctuary designation to protect the region's important marine ecosystem, maritime heritage resources, and cultural values of Indigenous communities.
Look Back to Look Forward: NAPA Completes Review of Sanctuary System
Public Comment Period Open Through: February 24, 2022
Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary exists to protect the varied habitats, species, and cultural resources of this ocean wonder. This month, NOAA released a draft management plan to update priorities, strategies, and activities to guide sanctuary management, and is asking for public input.
Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Releases Final Management Plan
In October of 2021, the Office of National Marine Sanctuaries released final revised management plans, regulations, and a final environmental impact statement for Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. These documents are a result of six years of study, planning and public input and address key issues in Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. Issues addressed include wildlife disturbance, water quality, introduced species, and coastal development.
Let's Celebrate 50 Years of Ocean Conservation and Stewardship
The National Marine Sanctuary System is celebrating its 50th anniversary! Since its establishment, the National Marine Sanctuary System has grown to 15 national marine sanctuaries and two marine monuments. We will be celebrating the history, accomplishments, and beauty of the National Marine Sanctuary System all year. Please join us throughout the next year as we celebrate the history, accomplishments, and beauty of these incredible underwater parks across the United States! And keep an eye out for a new commemorative poster which will be released each month to capture the beauty and diversity of your National Marine Sanctuary System.