PROTECT NEW ENGLAND’S SPECIAL OCEAN PLACES!

Protecting ocean habitat is crucial for the health of New England’s fish and ocean wildlife. Protected areas are essential for commercially important fish like cod and flounder to grow and reproduce. They provide refuge and food for porpoises and whales and for rare species like Atlantic wolffish. Protected areas also help build resilience to the impacts of climate change and serve as open sea laboratories that help marine scientists better understand our ocean ecosystems.

There are some protections in place already. Stellwagen Bank was designated as a National Marine Sanctuary in 1992, ensuring it will not be mined for gravel, oil, or gas. Much of Cashes Ledge and portions of Stellwagen Bank and Georges Bank are currently closed to harmful bottom trawling, either through restrictions on certain gear types or as “Habitat Areas of Particular Concern.”

These protections are temporary and under threat from a proposed increase in harmful commercial fishing practices. Click here to help ensure permanent protection for New England’s special ocean places.

The New England Fishery Management Council may soon reopen Cashes Ledge and other currently protected areas to commercial fishing, threatening unique ecosystems, rare species, and already depleted fish populations. New England’s special places—and the health and resiliency of our ocean habitat—are at risk.

The Conservation Law Foundation, marine biologists, fishermen, and other ocean users are calling on NOAA to design a comprehensive habitat protection strategy that is based on science, meets the requirements of the law, and brings permanent protection to important places in New England’s ocean waters.

Join CLF’s public statement urging NOAA to protect New England ocean habitat and help ensure a healthy future for New England’s ocean. You’ll also receive updates on future CLF actions on habitat protection.