H.R. 1187 would expand the boundaries of the Gulf of the Farallones National Marine Sanctuary and the Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuary.
Detailed Summary
Gulf of the Farallones and Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuaries Boundary Modification and Protection Act - Declares that it is U.S. policy to protect and preserve living and other resources of the Gulf of the Farallones National Marine Sanctuary (Farallones NMS) and Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuary (Cordell Bank NMS) marine environments.
Makes certain adjustments to expand the boundaries of the Farallones NMS and the Cordell NMS.
Prohibits the issuance of a lease or permit authorizing mineral or hydrocarbon exploration, development, production, or transportation by pipeline within the sanctuaries.
Directs the Secretary of Commerce to complete: (1) an interim supplemental management plan for the sanctuaries that focuses on protective resource management in the areas added by this Act; and (2) a revised comprehensive management plan for the sanctuaries.
Directs the Secretary to carry out an assessment of necessary revisions to the regulations for the sanctuaries, including considering regulations regarding the deposit or release of introduced species, the alteration of stream and river drainage into the sanctuaries, and mariculture operations in the sanctuaries. Defines mariculture as the propagation or rearing of aquatic organisms in controlled or selected aquatic environments for any commercial, recreational, or public purpose.
Authorizes appropriations to carry out this Act and for construction and acquisition projects related to the sanctuaries.
Status of the Legislation
Latest Major Action: 5/15/2008: Senate committee/subcommittee actions. Status: Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Ordered to be reported with amendments favorably.
Points in Favor
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Points Against
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Visitor Comments
David Kenly
This important bill diminishes threats to one of the world's four major mid-latitude sea current upwellings, which provides vital nutrients to United States marine fisheries.
Pamela Conley
I have witnessed the marvel of the spectacular Farallone Islands and the Cordell Banks personally. It left an imprint on me that will remain the rest of my life. Expanding the protection of these two marine reserves is absolutely necessary with global warming.
Dennis Beall,
This Bill is an extraordinary opportunity to safe guard our fisheries and coast from oil drilling and development.