Expand Northern California Marine Sanctuary
- by: Kerry Memole
- recipient: President Barack Obama
The Farallone Islands and Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuaries comprise one of the most pristine areas in the world while also supporting key fishing and tourism industries. The current political leader and advocate for the expansion effort is retiring from Congress, but 12 other members of the California House have signed a letter to President Obama seeking the new preserve designation including Jackie Speier, Anna Eshoo, Zoe Lofgren, George Miller, Barbara Lee, John Garamendi, Mike Thomson and Sam Farr.
California Governor Jerry Brown has endorsed this initiative as well as fishing groups. Richard Charter, a senior fellow with Ocean Foundation in Washington D.C. states "This is a national treasure that needs to be protected." Barbara Boxer says "We have been working for years in Congress on this legislation and talking to the administration about ways to expand these sanctuaries. I am hopeful we can finally get it done."
President Obama has authority and past precedent to use the 1906 Antiquities Act which allows presidents to create national monuments by executive order. This is how the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary was created in 1992 by Bush Sr. and 1,000 mile long Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument was created by his son in 2006. Please add your signature here urging President Obama to use his authority to protect this treasure on our California coast.
Dear President Obama,
I write urging you to use your executive authority under the 1906 Antquities Act to designate an expansion of the Gulf of the Farallones and Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuaries by adding 2,771 square miles of protection to one of the most pristine areas in the world.
Precedent was set by prior administrations in 1992 with the creation of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary and again in 2006 with the creation of the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument. You have already successfully used this authority four times in creating new monuments at Fort Ord, at the home of farm worker Caesar Chavez, at Chimney Rock and Fort Monroe.
The hazards facing the Northern California Coast are real and imminent with wildlife, tourism and fishing industries at risk. Interior Secretary Ken Salazar visited last month, at least twelve California House members have written to you seeking creation of this expanded preserve including Anna Eshoo, Jacke Speier, Zoe Lofgren, John Garamendi, George Miller, Barbara Lee, Mike Thompson and Sam Farr. Governor Jerry Brown has endorsed the creation of this expanded sanctuary as well.
Senator Barbara Boxer states "We have been working for years in Congress on this legislation and talking to the administration about ways to expand these sanctuaries. I am hopeful we can finally get it done." Richard Charter, a senior fellow with the Ocean Foundation in Washington D.C. says "This is a national treasure that needs to be protected."
With the start of your second term and the growing threat to ourenvironment, I strongly urge you to take this opportunity to leave a legacy and to make a clear statement on the importance of our coastal environment by authorizing the expansion of these marine sanctuaries.
Sincerely,
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