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For Immediate Release: |
Contact: Elizabeth Benton (CT) – (860)729-3589 |
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September 15, 2016 |
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BLUMENTHAL, FISHERMEN, ADVOCATES TO SHARE DETAILS OF HISTORIC MARINE MONUMENT DESIGNATION
(Hartford, CT) – At 10:30 a.m. on Friday, September 16 at the Sound School in New Haven, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), fishermen, advocates and experts will share details of the designation of the New England Coral Canyons and Seamounts as the first ever marine national monument in the Atlantic—an historic effort Blumenthal helped to lead with the Connecticut Congressional delegation.
The New England Coral Canyons and Seamounts (photos available here) lies about 150 miles off the coast of New England along the continental shelf, and is an area of immense natural diversity. The area is home to at least 73 different species of deep sea coral, countless sharks, whales, dolphins, sea turtles and sea birds. The undersea canyons rival the Grand Canyon in size and scale, and the underwater mountains are higher than any east of the Rockies—as high as 7,700 feet from the ocean floor.
Designation as a national monument will protect the area from damaging commercial activity and ensure proper care and management. The measure will protect countless species from irreversible damage, help make the ocean more resilient to climate change, support economic activity reliant on the health of the ocean, advance research, and preserve natural history.
“This historic step helps preserve the New England Coral Canyons and Seamounts—an environmental treasure—for generations to come,” Blumenthal said. “This first ever Atlantic marine national monument will protect countless species and habitats from irreversible damage, advance key research, and support critical jobs that depend on healthy oceans. I am pleased President Obama heeded calls from countless Connecticut residents, regional businesses, marine scientists, religious leaders and environmental organizations as well as the entire Connecticut delegation to conserve this precious natural resource.” “The President set sensible boundaries for the monument—modifying the original proposal—and sought to balance key environmental goals with the important economic and job interests of fishermen in New England,” Blumenthal said. “I’ve urged that the President hear and heed Connecticut fishermen and the New England fishing industry. I am also encouraged NOAA will be providing new data and scientific evidence potentially supporting—indeed requiring—revision of fishing quotas by appropriate management councils.”
WHO
· U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) · Dr. Peter Auster, Senior Research Scientist, Mystic Aquarium · Matt McKenzie, Connecticut Obligatory Delegate, New England Fisheries Management Council, Associate Professor, History and Maritime Studies at University of Connecticut · John McMurray, charter boat captain · Advocates from Natural Resources Defense Council · Advocates from Conservation Law Foundation · Advocates from Connecticut Fund for the Environment, Save the Sound · Faculty and students from Yale University
WHERE
Sound School 60 South Water Street New Haven, CT
WHEN
10:30 a.m. September 15, 2016
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