Are deep-sea and pelagic habitats adequately represented in the new US plan for a national system of marine protected areas? I dunno, it just came out! We have 30 days to comment....
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the Department of the Interior (DOI) is pleased to announce the release of the Revised Draft Framework for Developing the National System of Marine Protected Areas for a 30 day comment period ending April 16. You can find electronic copies of the draft framework and associated documents at http://www.mpa.gov.
The release of this revised draft framework reflects continued dialogue with federal, state, tribal and territorial resource managers; fishery management councils; inter-state fishery commissions; anglers; conservation organizations; the energy industry; commercial fishermen; coastal communities; scientists; divers; and others. At the end of the public comment period, the MPA Center will address all comments received, and begin working with government partners to establish the national system.