Blumenthal Statement on Biden Administration Restoring Protections for the Northeast Canyons & Seamounts Marine National Monument

[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), a member of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Subcommittee on Oceans, Fisheries, Climate Change, and Manufacturing, issued the following statement after the Biden administration announced it will be restoring protections for three national monuments, including the Northeast Canyons and Seamounts Marine National Monument:

“I applaud President Biden for reinstating protections for this spectacular and rare marine ecosystem. As the only national monument in Atlantic waters, I have long advocated for preserving the rich biodiversity of the Northeast Canyons and Seamounts Marine National Monument. This eagerly-anticipated move will benefit not only endangered marine life of this pristine underwater seascape, but also tourism and recreation which rely on healthy, sustainable waters. Today’s proclamation is an essential step toward ensuring this environmental treasure continues to flourish for generations to come.”

The Northeast Canyons and Seamounts Marine National Monument was created in 2016 under the Obama administration and covers nearly 5,000 square miles of water and submerged lands. Blumenthal has long been a leading voice in advocating for the designation of this first-ever Atlantic marine national monument. Prior to the monument’s designation, Blumenthal led the Connecticut Congressional Delegation in urging President Barack Obama to use his authority to preserve and protect this environmental treasure.

In June 2020, the Trump administration announced it would open the Northeast Canyons and Seamounts Marine National Monument to commercial fishing. In response, Blumenthal introduced an amendment to the Great American Outdoors Act that would prohibit the use of funds to roll back protection for the monument, and led 18 of his Senate colleagues in a letter demanding the Trump administration maintain protections for the marine monument.

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