Expand Marine Sanctuaries, Conserve Our Oceans

Currently, the area around the Farallon Islands is protected by the Gulf of the Farallones National Marine Sanctuary, and the area just north of the islands is protected by the Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuary. These sanctuaries lie within one of just four upwelling zones in the world; zones that combined make up only 1% of the ocean, but support and produce 20% of it’s fish catch with its nutrient-rich water.

However, while the current boundaries of the National Marine Sanctuaries do provide some protection, there is still a large part of the vital upwelling system that is not protected within those boundaries. Currently, the local Sonoma/Marin County Congresswoman, Lynn Woolsey, is attempting to get HR 192, the Gulf of the Farallones and Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuaries Boundary Modification and Protection Act, passed in Congress, which would expand the current boundaries of the sanctuary.

By expanding the boundaries of these two sanctuaries, HR 192 will…

• Protect the source water for the vital upwelling ecosystem that supports the coastal ecosystem

• Further protect one of four coastal upwelling zones in the entire world that together produce 20% of the world’s fish catch.

• Prevent invasive and harmful oil drilling

• Protect the Bodega Bay Marine Laboratory investment in marine research

 By expanding the boundaries of these two sancuarties, HR 192 will NOT…

• Place any further restrictions on fishing or recreational activities, thus support a fishing and tourism dependent economy.

More  Information

Map of Proposed Expansion Area

Dr. Susan L. Williams Testimony
at Senate Hearings - NOAA Oversight Committee

How Can I Help?

Contact your local representatives and/or senators and tell them that you support HR 192, the Gulf of the Farallones and Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuaries Boundary Modification and Protection Act!

Find your local representatives here: www.contactingthecongress.org

For more information on the bill and to see what organizations currently support it, visit Lynn Woolsey’s website at: http://woolsey.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=123 

Check out the Video by Rep. Lynn Woolsey