In 2016, Mystic Aquarium and the Connecticut
delegation were instrumental in the designation of the Northeast
Canyons and Seamounts Marine National Monument, the only one of its
kind, in the U.S. Atlantic Ocean.
The Monument, located roughly 130 miles off the coast
of Cape Cod, protects three massive undersea canyons, some deeper
than the Grand Canyon, and four underwater mountains that rival the
Rocky Mountains in size. It supports a tremendous diversity and
abundance of ocean wildlife such as endangered whales, dolphins,
sea turtles, sea birds and fragile deep-sea corals, some of which
can live for thousands of years. New species are discovered with
every research expedition.
Ever since the Northeast Monument was designated in
2016, groups that oppose the Monument have been trying to weaken
its protections. Yesterday (June 5, 2020), a Presidential
Proclamation removed key protections by opening the area to
commercial fishing.
If you support the Northeast Canyons and Seamounts
Marine National Monument and protecting special places in the
ocean, please let your elected officials know by taking action
through the button below.
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