On January 12, 2017, NOAA published a notice requesting public comment on whether the Office of National Marine Sanctuaries should adopt two new special use permit (SUP) categories pursuant to the requirements of Section 310 of the National Marine Sanctuaries Act. The two new SUP categories would be: 1) the continued presence of a pipeline transporting seawater to or from a desalination facility; and 2) the use of sediment to filter seawater for desalination. Comments will be considered if received on or before February 13, 2017. Click here for more information.
On January 13, 2017, in accordance with provisions of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA), and the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the California Public Utilities Agency (CPUC) released the joint Draft Environmental Impact Report/ Environmental Impact Statement (DEIR/EIS) for the proposed Monterey Peninsula Water Supply Project. NOAA and CPUC are soliciting public comment on this document, and will also be hosting public meetings. Comments will be considered if received on or before February 27, 2017. Click here for more information, to comment, and for meeting information.
Volunteers help to ensure marine sanctuaries remain America's underwater treasures for future generations.
Volunteers participate in a wide variety of activities including diving, whale identification, beach cleanups, water quality monitoring, collecting field observations and surveys, acting as visitor center docents, and wildlife monitoring.
Citizen science volunteers work with scientists to: identify research questions; collect and analyze data; interpret results; make new discoveries; develop technologies and applications; and/or solve complex problems.
NOAA has published a notice requesting comments on the methods, formulas, and rationale for the calculations it will use in order to assess fees associated with special use permits (SUPs).
The National Marine Sanctuary Foundation enhances national marine sanctuaries in their goal to protect essential U.S. marine areas and to ensure a healthy ocean.
Bringing together diverse community interests to strengthen the network of national marine sanctuaries and the nation's marine protected areas.
Site-focused, community-based councils advising National Marine Sanctuary System leadership
Program-focused council connecting the Office of National Marine Sanctuaries with national business interests
Nationally focused committee advising NOAA and the U.S. Department of the Interior
