MPA's Are Coming

[dogfish]

IMO, this is just the begining. Without getting too political, Obama has overturned Bush's "relaxation of EA, EIS and ESA guidelines. The NEPA as we know it has to be rewritten, because the NEPA relies on the EA, EIS and ESA for guidelines.

Yes, it is something we need to keep an eye on. I have know this for years, telling people about it and they just turn thier cheek. Well, it coming, get ready.

Have we learned nothing from the OBX issue?

I learned the golden rules from reading up on that. Those
who have the gold, make the rules.

[seamonkey]

This time they added 2 National seashores in the Carolinas to the list. Where will it end?


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: DATE: January 13, 2010
CONTACT: Cyndy Holda, 252-473-2111, ext. 148

North Carolina?s Two National Seashores among the 21 National Park Units
Being Considered by NOAA?s Marine Protected Areas Status

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration?s (NOAA) National
Marine Protected Areas Center, in cooperation with the Department of the
Interior (DOI) has created a first ever inventory of the nation?s marine
protected areas. This unique, comprehensive inventory catalogs and
classifies marine protected areas within US waters. Thirty-two sites,
including twenty-one units of the National Park System and several national
wildlife refuges, have been nominated to join the national system of Marine
Protected Areas (MPAs). Cape Hatteras and Cape Lookout National Seashores
are among the national seashores listed in the Federal Register last week.

Developed in response to Executive Order 13158 on Marine Protected Areas,
the final framework for the national system was published on November 19,
2008. Comments on the nominations to the national system are due February
22, 2010. For more information, check NOAA website at: www.mpa.gov or
submit comments to: mpa.comments@noaa.gov .

[DarkSkies]

Here is a letter that has been written...very easy to C&P and send......please do it if you can find the time.....thanks!





"If you can't make it to one of these public hearings, we strongly urge RFA members to take 3 minutes and submit public comment online," Martin said. Public comment must be received by March 1 and can be submitted electronically via the Federal e-Rulemaking Portal.


1. To mail in your comments, send to:




Maria Brown, Sanctuary Superintendent
Gulf of the Farallones National Marine Sanctuary
991Marine Drive, The Presidio
San Francisco, CA 94129



2. You can also use the sample letter below by copying and pasting into the comments section at www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;D=NOAA-NOS-2012-0228








Dear Ms. Brown,

I am writing to oppose the expansion of the Gulf of Farallones and Cordell Banks National Marine Sanctuaries. I do not support additional no-fishing zones.

The Sanctuaries need to guarantee in writing that they will not be proposing, implementing or promulgating fishing regulations within the boundaries of the Sanctuary, including marine protected areas. Until then, we will have a constant battle between the fishing community and the Sanctuaries, rather than a partnership. The Sanctuary does not have staff with the biological expertise, nor the experience with existing fishery management required to get involved with fishery management.

I question whether the Sanctuary has the authority to more than double its size on its own, citing Section 304(e) of the National Marine Sanctuary Act. If it does, what is the limit to Sanctuary authorities?

I question whether simply expanding the Sanctuary will have any effect, one way or another, on the ocean "upwellings" in the area, the "protection" of which is the stated purpose of the expansion.

I request that the public comment period be extended to allow the Pacific Fisheries Management Council to consider the expansion and comment.

Respectfully,

(Your Name and address)