Dear Director Armor, NOAA’s Office of National Marine Sanctuaries:
From the deepest and densest cold-water kelp forest on the eastern seaboard to its muddy basins, Cashes Ledge is a hotspot for vibrant and diverse marine life. I support sanctuary status for this invaluable national treasure.
A National Marine Sanctuary in this area would help conserve and protect the extraordinary and vulnerable marine wildlife and habitats of the Cashes Ledge Area, provide unparalleled scientific research and education opportunities, foster biodiversity and build climate resilience. As the Gulf of Maine’s waters warm faster than 97% of the global ocean, a Cashes Ledge National Marine Sanctuary is an opportunity for biodiversity and climate stewardship.
Securing long-lasting protections for this unique ocean wonder is vital in our rapidly changing marine environment, which is why I support the nomination of a Cashes Ledge National Marine Sanctuary.