On April 17, President Trump issued an executive order would open large USA marine protected areas to commercial fishing in the Pacific. The order instructs the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) and US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) to implement US-based fishing in the Pacific Islands Heritage Marine National Monument. The proclamation threatens endangered species, sharks, and some of the healthiest coral reefs and marine ecosystems in the world.Protected under federal law since 2009, the proclamation violates the Antiquities Act, the law used to create the Monument.
Read MoreSupport Pacific Island Marine Sanctuaries
In the next three years we have our sights on increasing marine protection in US waters through the creation of two new National Marine Sanctuaries: one in California with the Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary, and one in Hawaii with the creation of the Papahānaumokuākea National Marine Sanctuary. Creating the proposed Papahānaumokuākea National Marine Sanctuary within the Papahānaumokuākea National Marine Monument and the Pacific Remote Islands National Marine Sanctuary (PRINMS). These Sanctuary designations will provide stricter protection and can avoid challenges from future administrations stripping marine and cultural protection for resource extraction.
Read MoreAsk Congress to Support our National Marine Sanctuaries and Monuments!
Join us with National Marine Sanctuary Foundation urging your representatives in Congress to prioritize public investment in national marine sanctuaries and marine national monuments for Fiscal Year 2024!
Funding is vital for conservation, science and supporting cultural heritage in existing and proposed National Marine Sanctuaries. Help the USA meet our commitment to United Nations goals protecting 30% of our oceans by 2030.
Read MoreMarine Protected Area Federal Advisory Committee
Shark Stewards is participating in a combined meeting/Summit between our Federal Advisory Committee and the chairs of all 14 National Marine Sanctuary Councils in the nation.
Read MoreYear End News From Shark Stewards
Thanks to you threatened species like Blue sharks are one additional step away from extinction. This beautiful and important shark is disappearing-driven largely by the shark fin trade-yet new protection […]
Read MoreTrump: Hands Off Our National Marine Monuments- Act Now.
August 23, 2017 The 24 August deadline for Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke to give recommendations to President Trump on whether to alter dozens of national monuments is near, yet there […]
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