Trenton – The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) announced Wednesday that it is taking the first step to designate the Hudson Canyon National Marine Sanctuary. Hudson Canyon is the largest of the more than 70 undersea canyons that line the North Atlantic Outer Continental Shelf, and is home to deep sea corals, bluefin tunas, sperm whales, sea turtles and more.
The public will have an opportunity to comment on the proposal during a 60-day public comment period, both in writing at regulations.gov and during four public meetings.
In response, Doug O’Malley, state director with Environment New Jersey, issued the following statement:
“We all love the Jersey Shore, but our amazing ocean places extend far off the Shore and deep under the waves. By taking the first step to create the Hudson Canyon National Marine Sanctuary, NOAA is acting to protect the Grand Canyon off our coast.
“We can’t wait to see this amazing place protected for future generations – a big thank you to the Biden administration for this important World Oceans Day announcement.”
###
