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New England's Canyons and Seamounts Protected!

09 • 15 • 2016

New England's Canyons and Seamounts Protected!

The Chapters in the Gulf of Maine supported the Obama Administration in its consideration of creating the first ever Marine National Monument in the Atlantic Ocean to permanently protect three canyons and four seamounts. Designation helps protect these special areas from threats like overfishing and mining while maintaining the integrity of the ecosystem as well as superb recreational opportunities for low impact enjoyments.

New England's Gulf of Maine is home to AMAZING underwater treasurers, including deep sea canyons, which plunge to depths greater than 7,000 feet (1,000 feet deeper than the Grand Canyon!) and astounding seamounts (which rise higher from the seafloor than any mountain east of the Rockies!), creating unique habitats that support tremendous biodiversity and fragile ecosystems.

The Surfrider Foundation supported a coalition of environmental nonprofits who championed this effort to additionally call upon the Administration to provide permanent protection for this area.

Advocating for important ocean areas is central to the Surfrider Foundation's mission and we applaud all who had a hand in this important endeavor.

The Surfrider Foundation applauds President Obama for his leadership in establishing the Northeast Canyons and Seamounts Marine National Monument. The designation will permanently safeguard one of the outstanding ecological treasures off the New England coast, while also helping protect the broader marine ecosystem and many human uses and economic values that depend upon it. As a grassroots organization, Surfrider looks forward to supporting strong public and stakeholder involvement in the development of the management plan.

Check out this vlog from the White House to learn more.

You can help us continue to protect special ocean areas!

  1. Join our Northeast Regional email list for updates on this campaign and opportunities to participate in the effort with Surfrider Foundation's northern New England Chapters.
  2. Join or renew your Surfrider Foundation membership to support this important work!

Email us with any questions!

THANK YOU!