Governor Baker Raises Concerns Over Federal Government’s Potential Marine National Monument Designations

Governor Baker Raises Concerns Over Federal Government’s Potential Marine National Monument Designations

Letter to President Questions Process and Potential Impacts to Commonwealth’s Fishing Industry

BOSTON – Today, Governor Charlie Baker sent a letter to President Barack Obama raising concerns with the potential designation of one or more National Marine Monuments in the Northwest Atlantic – offshore of New England. The letter, which cites the ongoing work of Massachusetts as part of two regional ocean management governances processes, characterizes the proposal by President Obama as detrimental to the state’s recreational and commercial fishing industry and ongoing work towards the protection of ecological areas.

“While the protection of critical marine habitats is a goal shared by many—including my Administration—significant questions and concerns have been raised regarding this possible designation,” said the letter from Governor Baker to President Obama, “I wish to convey my Administration’s apprehension as to both the process being implemented and the effects of such a unilateral declaration.”

In his letter, Governor Baker raises objections over the lack of public and stakeholder engagement leading to the proposal for deep-sea canyons and seamounts, including Cashes Ledge, to be included in the federal National Marine Monument declaration. “My Administration has been unable to determine how these areas were identified and selected. NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association) held a single public meeting in Providence, Rhode Island, and I believe that this falls far short of any meaningful stakeholder process,” the letter states.

Citing the ongoing work of regional and federally-established ocean planning collaboration, Governor Baker reiterates the Commonwealth’s proactive work towards oceanic and ecological protection. “The Commonwealth is a full and active participant in two regional ocean management governance processes that include important components of marine habitat characterization and the protection of important ecological areas. The recent work of the New England Fisheries Management Council and the first-ever regional ocean planning initiative under your Administration’s National Ocean Policy both serve as vital forums for the collective management of our region’s oceans.” The Governor goes on to characterizes the working groups as “stakeholder-based, informed by rigorous science, and provide for robust public input.”

Further, Governor Baker highlights the negative impacts the National Monument designation will have on state’s recreation and commercial fishing industry, saying, “I am very concerned that the proposed marine protected area designation will undermine the ongoing New England Fishery Management Council and Northeast Regional Planning Body. Their work, plans, and processes are underway, and will jeopardize already strained relationships with important stakeholders, including commercial and recreational fishermen. The proposed National Marine Monument designation is inconsistent with and contrary to the process and principles of the ongoing regional ocean planning initiative.”

View the letter here: http://www.mass.gov/governor/docs/news/noaa-letter-11-4-15.pdf