Hudson Canyon
Hudson Canyon is a proposed National Marine Sanctuary, currently being reviewed by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Let’s break down what a proposed sanctuary is, how it becomes an official sanctuary, and why Hudson Canyon is so important.
What is a Proposed Sanctuary?
Non-government organizations such as non-profits or private research groups may nominate an area to NOAA for National Marine Sanctuary status. This would designate the area as a marine protected area. National Marine Sanctuaries in the US are often zoned multi-use MPAs- meaning extractive activities such as fishing would only be permitted in certain areas of the sanctuary and would be highly regulated and monitored . Wildlife Conservation Society nominated Hudson Canyon as a proposed National Marine Sanctuary, as it is an important area for indigenous communities, fisheries, and researchers.
What is the Process of Establishing a National Marine Sanctuary?
After Wildlife Conservation Society proposed Hudson Canyon to NOAA, the site had to be evaluated. NOAA conducted a 5-year review beginning in 2017. This process revealed that the site met the 11 qualifications (national significance criteria) to be a National Marine Sanctuary. Therefore, it was able to move forward in the process.
Establishing a National Marine Sanctuary is a lengthy process that takes years. NOAA shares the 6 steps:
Public scoping- a period of public comment, public hearings, and getting feedback from key stakeholders
Review of public comments and drafting documents- NOAA must then review the feedback they received and integrate this into their proposal which will include regulations, environmental impact statement, a management plan and other supporting plans
Second period of public comment- NOAA will release their plan to the public and open up public comment again for additional feedback
Finalize plan- NOAA will make necessary modifications to their proposal based on the second round of public comment
Final Documents will be published
Sanctuary receives designation
Why was Hudson Canyon Proposed as a National Marine Sanctuary?
Hudson Canyon is a an underwater canyon around 2.5 miles deep. It is a biodiversity hotspot home to hundreds of species, and important grounds for vulnerable species such as sperm whales and sea turtles. The canyon is home to deep sea corals, which will be harmed by destructive fishing and mining practices. Regulating the activity in this site will support the vast biodiversity in this area and provide a haven for vulnerable species.
Additionally, this site has cultural significance. Indigenous communities along the east coast of the United States have lived alongside the animals that rely on this canyon for their survival. Protecting this region will preserve community and long-lasting traditions.
There are also economic benefits to designating Hudson Canyon as a National Marine Sanctuary. As this is a very productive area, allowing populations of fish to rise and flourish will improve fishing yields outside of the protected areas. It is also an important research site, allowing researchers to better understand the impact of our changing climate on underwater canyons and the species inhabiting them. Maintaining a healthy ecosystem will support jobs across various sectors including fishing and marine research.
What you will do:
Amidst the layoffs and program cuts at NOAA, it is important that we let them know this project is still important to us and we want them to continue making progress. Sharing your support can prevent the project from being stalled within an administration that is seeking to reverse protections of our lands and oceans.
Reach out to the NOAA Administrator, Laura Grimm, and the contact for the Hudson Canyon Advisory Council, LeAnn Hogan, letting them know that this project is important to you and for marine conservation as a whole will show them that this project has not been forgotten and we are excited to review their documentation when it is released to the public.
To reach out you can fill out this pre-written template from Wildlife Conservation Society or email them directly with the information below.
*Both action items are impactful and important, but emailing directly and personalizing your message will get their attention!
Send a Personalized Email here
**Read carefully before you submit!!
Resources:
National Marine Sanctuary- National Geographic
National Marine Sanctuary Designation Process and Hudson Canyon Updates- NOAA
Designation Tracker and Link to Public Comment- Federal Register