President Biden Reinstates Critical Conservation Measures In Marine Monument Off Cape Cod
On Friday, President Joe Biden signed a proclamation restoring protections for Northeast Canyons and Seamounts National Monument, while maintaining access for recreational fishing. NMMA and members of the outdoor recreation community attended the White House signing event for their engagement on and support of the president’s order.
The National Monument is composed of two units, the Canyons Unit and the Seamounts Unit, each showcasing unique geological features that anchor vulnerable ecological communities threatened by varied uses, climate change, and related impacts. President Biden’s proclamation reestablishes protections initiated during the Obama administration, which NMMA and its coalition partners helped to secure.
Under the order, commercial fishing in the National Monument will be prohibited, with fishing for red crab and American lobster to be phased out by September 15, 2023. Consistent with President Obama’s previous proclamation, recreational fishing in the National Monument may continue.
“We applaud President Biden’s decision to restore balanced conservation measures in the Northeast Canyons and Seamounts Marine National Monument,” said Frank Hugelmeyer, President of the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA). “Protecting our natural resources while preserving recreational access to fisheries is critical because it drives the largest segment of America’s $788 billion Outdoor Recreation Economy. The president’s proclamation proves that good conservation and responsible access for boaters and anglers can coexist.”
With the Biden administration targeting additional actions to protect and restore the nation’s natural resources – including through the America the Beautiful initiative, which aims to conserve at least 30 percent of lands and waters by 2030 – NMMA will continue to advocate for reasonable and sustainable access for America’s recreational boaters and anglers.
For more information, please contact NMMA director of federal government relations, Callie Hoyt at [email protected].