Blumenthal Applauds Final Plan to Protect Northeast Canyons and Seamounts Marine National Monument

[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) today released the statement below following the Biden Administration’s publication of the final management plan and assessment of the Northeast Canyons and Seamounts Marine National Monument, the first-ever marine national monument located in the Atlantic Ocean:

“Release of this plan is a thrilling next step in our fight to preserve a precious, pristine marine ecosystem—a fight that I have been proud to help lead. This step brings us closer to permanent protection of habitat and wildlife in a historic marine national monument. We should be passionate about saving this exquisite part of our planet for ourselves and future generations. I’m determined to continue the fight for this national treasure with strong environmental allies.”

Blumenthal has long championed the designation of the Northeast Canyons and Seamounts Marine National Monument. Prior to its creation in 2016, Blumenthal led the Connecticut Congressional Delegation in urging President Barack Obama to use his authority to preserve and protect this national treasure. Blumenthal also stood up to the Trump Administration’s attempt to roll back protections for the monument.

Today’s plan finally provides the foundation for long-term collaborative management and community stewardship of the monument—which covers nearly 5,000 square miles of water and submerged lands—to achieve the monument’s vision and goals for the next 15 years. The final management plan and environmental assessment can be found here.

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