The Diving Equipment and Marketing Association is calling on the dive industry to weigh in on the US government’s plans to consider several new locations for National Marine Sanctuary status.
Additionally, the management plans for a number of existing National Marine Sanctuaries are undergoing revision, according to DEMA.
“DEMA strongly suggests that members of the diving industry review these Sanctuary designations and revisions and comment on them in the coming weeks. Generally speaking, DEMA supports the creation and expansion of National Marine Sanctuaries when science indicates the need for these sanctuaries and when diver access is not unnecessarily limited or prohibited.”
Among the areas under consideration are:
* St. George Unangan Heritage National Marine Sanctuary. Comment deadline: January 27
* Papahanaumokuakea National Marine Sanctuary. Comment deadline: January 31
* Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary. Comment deadline: January 31
* Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary. Comment deadline: February 24
