Expanding Our Marine Sanctuaries

PROTECTING MARIN AND SONOMA'S UNIQUE ECOSYSTEMS

The Gulf of Farallones and Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuaries protect the coast of Marin, yet most of the Sonoma coast still is vulnerable to oil spills and land based pollution. That’s why I’ve introduced H.R. 192, the Gulf of the Farallones and Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuaries Protection and Modification Act, legislation to preserve permanently the entire Sonoma and southern Mendocino coasts by expanding the existing sanctuaries. Such an expansion will not only protect the incredible biodiversity found in this area, but thousands of research, tourism, and commercial fishing jobs that depend on it.

A MESSAGE FROM LYNN

 

 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q. What is a Marine Sanctuary?

A: Marine sanctuaries protect: significant waters and secure habitat for aquatic species, shelter historically significant shipwrecks and other cultural resources, and serve as valuable spots for research, fishing, wildlife viewing, boating, and tourism.

The National Marine Sanctuary System includes 14 marine protected areas that encompass more than 150,000 square miles of marine and Great Lakes waters. The system includes 13 national marine sanctuaries and the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument.

Q: Why do we need to expand the area of these Marine Sanctuaries?

A: This area is essential, not only to the maintenance of our fish population, but also for the production of nutrient rich waters.  By adjusting the current boundaries to the north to just south of Point Arena, the entire Sonoma coast will be protected.  Pushing it westward will serve to further safeguard our coastline from oil exploration and extraction. 

The Sonoma and southern Mendocino Coast is one of the most biologically productive regions in the world, and is within one of only four coastal upwelling zones on the planet.  Collectively, the four upwelling systems make up only one percent of the world’s oceans but produce 20 percent of the world’s fish.  Nutrient-rich water rises from deeper levels to replace the surface water that has drifted away, and these nutrients support the large fish population found in this area. Additionally, the coastal estuaries are important passages for endangered salmon and steelhead, essential haulouts for seals and sea lions, and prolific nurseries for hundreds of aquatic species.

Q: What impact will this change have on fisherman who rely on access to this area?

A: No, H.R. 192 would protect the expanded area from oil drilling and exploration, but would not stop fishermen and anglers from continuing currently allowed activities.  In fact, this bill would create a safe environment for healthy fish stocks to thrive, giving fishermen more catch to harvest.

Q: Will this change the recreation activities in the area?

A: The expanded boundaries and protections contained in H.R. 192 would not prevent fishing, boating, diving, or shipping in the marine sanctuaries, which are permitted activities under current law. 

 

 

ENDORSEMENTS

H.R. 192 has been endorsed and supported by local community leaders, environmental organizations, and other groups committed to protecting and preserving our environment, including:

  • Governor Jerry Brown and CA Sec. for Natural Resources John Laird
  • CA State Assembly:
  •     Michael Allen
  •     Wes Chesbro
  •     Jared Huffman
  • CA State Senate:
  •     Noreen Evans
  •     Mark Leno
  • County of Marin
  • County of Mendocino
  • County and City of San Francisco
  • County of Sonoma
  • City of Belvedere
  • City of Ft. Bragg
  • City of Healdsburg
  • City of Mill Valley
  • City of Novato
  • City of Petaluma
  • City of Rohnert Park
  • City of San Rafael
  • City of Sausalito
  • City of Sebastopol
  • City of Sonoma
  • Town of Corte Madera
  • Town of Fairfax
  • Town of Ross
  • Town of San Anselmo
  • Town of Tiburon
  • Town of Windsor
  • Marin County Council of Mayors and Councilmembers
  • Blue Frontier Campaign
  • California League of Conservation Voters
  • Center for Biological Diversity
  • Center for Oceanic Awareness, Research & Education
  • Clean Water Action
  • Cordell Marine Sanctuary Association
  • Crab Boat Owners Association
  • Defenders of Wildlife
  • Environmental Action Committee of West Marin
  • Environmental Defense Center
  • Farallones Marine Sanctuary Association
  • Friends of the Earth
  • Golden Gate National Recreation Area Parks Conservancy
  • Gulf of the Farallones Marine Sanctuary Association
  • Marin Conservation League
  • National Marine Sanctuaries Foundation
  • National Wildlife Federation
  • Natural Resources Defense Council
  • Ocean Conservancy
  • Ocean Conservation Research
  • Ocean Defenders Alliance
  • Ocean Revolution
  • Oceanic Society
  • Pacific Coast Federation of Fishermen’s Associations
  • Pacific Environment
  • Port of Oakland
  • Russian River Chamber of Commerce
  • Salmon Protection & Watershed Network
  • San Francisco Baykeeper
  • Sanctuary Council on the Gulf of the Farallones
  • Save Our Shores
  • Sierra Club – National
  • Sonoma Conservation Action
  • Sonoma County Economic Development Board
  • Surfrider Foundation – National
  • Surfrider Foundation – Sonoma/Marin Chapter
  • Turtle Island Restoration Network
  • UC Davis-Bodega Bay Marine Laboratory

 

 MORE INFORMATION

Read more about the Gulf of the Farallones National Marine Sanctuary: NOAA website.

More information about the Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuary:  NOAA website.

Details about H.R. 192, including current cosponsors and bill status: here.

Information about S. 179, a companion bill introduced by Sen. Barbara Boxer in the Senate: click here.