Approved in the final days of the Biden Administration, NOAA is currently designating the marine portions of the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument in the Hawaiian Islands as America’s 18th National Marine Sanctuary.
Read MoreDefend Our National Marine Sanctuaries
A new bill has been introduced in the US Congress that would amend the National Marine Sanctuaries Act. The Act protects US marine habitat, underwater natural resources and cultural heritage treasures, and empowers community input on the use of our national marine sanctuaries.
Read MoreProtecting Endangered Sharks
Increased protection would reduce incidental take of critically endangered sharks in the Pacific and protect critical habitat. A
Read MoreSupport the Papahānaumokuākea National Marine Sanctuary Designation
Papahānaumokuākea is a sacred place with deep cosmological significance to Native Hawaiians who have a genealogical relationship to all living things in the Hawaiian archipelago. The Monument is a mixed (natural and cultural) World Heritage Site. It preserves sacred places, stories, artifacts, and strong Polynesian cultural ties to the land and seas, dating back more than a thousand years.
Read MoreThe Islands of the Dead: Exploring the Farallon Islands
Located close to San Francisco, one of the world’s most recognizable metropolises, there is a series of desolate, fog shrouded, wind and wave-sculpted islands. Known as the “Islands of the Dead” by the Native Miwok, and the “Devil’s Teeth” by Spanish mariners, these islands have a fascinating history of human exploitation, killing and loss.
Read MoreBiden Moves to Create New Sanctuary in South Pacific Ocean
Shark Stewards, along with several other organizations, is urging managers of the Fish and Wildlife Service and NOAA to support increased protection of migratory species and pelagic and reef species of sharks and rays as part of the draft Monument Management Plan, expected by the end of 2023.
The coral reefs of the and marine ecosystems of the Pacific Islands support healthy wildlife, provide climate resilience, and provide a variety of cultural and socio-economic benefits. We must act now to support these important efforts protecting vanishing wildlife and imperiled coral reefs.
Read MoreNew Voluntary Speed Regulation Intended to Protect Whales, Reduce Ship Strikes
Strandings of dead whales along Bay Area beaches has increased in recent years, up from 11 in 2018 to 21 in 2021, according to the Marine Mammal Center in Sausalito. Along with entanglement in fishing gear and malnutrition, it is believed that ship strikes are a leading cause of whale death.
Read MoreSUPPORT THE CHUMASH HERITAGE NATIONAL MARINE SANCTUARY
Currently the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is in the process of collecting public comments to support the Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary. This Sanctuary will protect a remote and lightly impacted coastal area off the California Coastline between Monterey and San Luis Obispo Counties, critical habitat for sea otters, whales and other endangered species, is sensitive habitat and has significant cultural value for Native Chumash people.
On Thursday January 6 the public can attend the final virtual public hearing for the proposed sanctuary.
Designate the Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary
Please sign on to our organization letter urging the Administration to immediately initiate the designation of the Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary and write to express our strong support to include this national treasure within the National Marine Sanctuary System.
Read MoreAdvancing 30×30: Conservation of Coastal Waters in MPAs
The Conservation of Coastal Waters Advisory Panel released its summary document: Advancing 30×30: Conservation of Coastal Waters.
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