Northeast Canyons and Seamounts Marine National Monument: Is No Place Sacred?
Northeast Canyons and Seamounts Marine National Monument is an extraordinary place.
Located off the coast of New England, these 4,913 square miles of pristine waters hold ancient subsea mountains and a spectacular array of marine wildlife. Endangered sperm and fin whales can be found in these waters. Imperiled Kemp’s Ridley sea turtles swim here too.1
Northeast Canyons and Seamounts Marine National Monument at Risk
Unfortunately, the Trump administration is seeking to reduce protections against irresponsible exploitation and development at Northeast Canyons and Seamounts National Monument.2
Commercial fishing could expand into the monument, threatening whales and sea turtles with potentially deadly fishing gear entanglements. These operations could also damage rare corals and one-of-a-kind geologic features in the monument.3
But the threat may extend beyond commercial fishing. Oil companies have long expressed interest in seeking oil and gas from the North Atlantic. The administration’s proposal for Northeast Canyons and Seamounts Marine National Monument could well make their drilling dreams a reality.4
How You Can Help
Northeast Canyons and Seamounts National Monument hasn’t received as much attention as many of the other national monuments that the Trump administration has targeted, so we really need your signature.
Whales, sea turtles and other imperiled species need undisturbed places like Northeast Canyons and Seamounts National Monument. People need these special places protected to better understand the history and wonder of our natural world and to honor our commitment to a greener future.
Notes
1. President Barack Obama White House Archive, “FACT SHEET: President Obama to Continue Global Leadership in Combating Climate Change and Protecting Our Ocean by Creating the First Marine National Monument in the Atlantic Ocean,” Office of the Press Secretary, retrieved online February 8, 2018.
2. Avory Brookins, “Future Of Northeast Marine National Monument Protections Still Uncertain,” Rhode Island Public Radio, December 7, 2017.
3. Avory Brookins, “Future Of Northeast Marine National Monument Protections Still Uncertain,” Rhode Island Public Radio, December 7, 2017.
4. Michael Conathan and Avery Siciliano, “Big Oil Could Benefit Most from Review of Northeast Canyons and Seamounts Monument,” Center for American Progress, July 25, 2017.